Cisse dismisses Rooney's Man City 2012 title conspiracy theory

Djibril Cisse has responded to Wayne Rooney's conspiracy claims about Manchester City's 2012 title win, stating he was celebrating with friend Samir Nasri and QPR's survival, not City's victory.

Djibril Cisse has forcefully rejected Wayne Rooney's conspiracy theories about Manchester City's 2012 Premier League title win. The former QPR striker insisted his post-match celebrations were for his friend Samir Nasri and his own team's survival, not for City's dramatic victory.

That victory, secured by Sergio Aguero's iconic stoppage-time goal against QPR at the Etihad Stadium, gave Manchester City their first Premier League crown. It was the launchpad for an era of dominance that sees the club top of the standings today, with 15 points from five perfect wins this season. This flawless start, with a goal difference of +14, is a sign of their current form as they prepare for a key fixtures list.

Cisse's defence and Rooney's claims

Cisse's comments come after Rooney, the former Manchester United captain, recently questioned the circumstances of that final day. Rooney had called the goal 'bull****' and suggested QPR goalkeeper Paddy Kenny should have done better, also noting it was strange how City received the ball back quickly after Edin Dzeko's equaliser. He implied a lack of competitive integrity from the QPR players in the frantic final moments.

Cisse, who played for QPR that day, stated he did not care about Manchester City winning. He explained he was celebrating with Nasri, a friend of 15 years, and was simply relieved that QPR had avoided relegation. He argued that if his team had wanted City to win, they would have conceded more goals easily. Cisse pointed out that United lost the title because they dropped points in five other games, not because of anything that happened at the Etihad. He emphasised that his only concern was his team's safety, a point reflected in the intense pressure of the relegation battle that season.

Former referee Mike Dean, who officiated the match, has also seen his past analysis of the game resurface amid the renewed debate. Dean has previously defended his decisions and the conduct of the match, stating the players' efforts were genuine. The discussion highlights how Manchester City's current supremacy keeps their historic moments under intense scrutiny. Pep Guardiola's side are on a five-game winning streak and face a tough test next at Anfield against Liverpool on 11 October. Their next fixture is a major test of their title credentials against a direct rival.

With eight league titles now to their name, that first one in 2012 remains a key chapter. The current squad, leading the league by three points, continues to build on that legacy. The team's impressive stats, including an average of over three goals per game this season, show a squad operating at peak efficiency as they prepare for the trip to Merseyside.