Vincent Kompany said he ignored his teammates who urged him "not to shoot" when he fired home a long-range wondergoal to give Manchester City a crucial 1-0 win over Leicester City on Monday night.
City captain Kompany settled a tense tie at the Etihad Stadium with a 70th minute thunderbolt that moved the defending champions back to the top of the Premier League table by one point with one game remaining.
It was the Belgian defender's first-ever goal from outside the area for City and he said he was due this goal, despite his teammates' protests.
"Everyone was saying don't shoot but I've not come this far in my career to be told when I can and can't shoot," Kompany told Sky Sports.
"I've had 15 years of top-level midfielders telling me not to shoot but I always told them one day I am going to have a shot from outside the box and I'm going to score a goal."
City manager Pep Guardiola said he was one of those urging his captain not to shoot but praised the impact Kompany has had on the club.
"There are players who help us to be who were are today - Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta and Vincent Kompany," Guardiola said.
"When he (Kompany) is fit, he is an incredible centre-back. Not just for the goal. He is a leader. I am happy for him, for the club, and for everyone."
Guardiola also said a new contract for Kompany will be discussed at the end of the season.
"We spoke with him one month ago. We are going to take a drink together (at the end of the season) and decide what is best, especially for the club."
A 14th consecutive league win for City at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday will mean they will retain the Premier League title for the first time in the club's history, but Guardiola said the pressure is still very much on his side.
"Liverpool play without pressure because they know it is not in their hands," Guardiola added. "It is easy. We have the pressure.
"Brighton got a result against Arsenal. We know how tough it will be. They are strong with set-pieces. It is in our hands, one more game."
