Manchester: Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s record goalscorer has decided to leave the English club after 10 years. His contract expires at the end of the season and Sergio Aguero said he doesn’t want a renewal. The 32-year-old Argentina striker has scored 257 goals for Manchester City. The most famous of his goals being his stoppage-time winner against Queens Parks Rangers on the final day of the 2011-12 season. It was that goal by Aguero which helped City claim their first league title in 44 years.
Aguero has struggled with injuries over the past year and been restricted to just 14 appearances in all competitions this season. The penalty he converted March 13 against Fulham was his 181st goal in the Premier League. However, it was his first goal in the division since January 2020.
Aguero informed about his decision in a Twitter post Monday to his 14 million followers. He said he had a ‘huge sense of satisfaction and pride’ about playing for City for a decade. He also said he is ready to ‘continue competing at the highest level’.
“Aguero’s contribution to Manchester City over the last 10 years cannot be overstated,” club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak stated. “His legend will be indelibly etched into the memories of everyone who loves the club and maybe even in those who simply love football,” Mubarak added.
Al Mubarak said a statue of Aguero has been commissioned to stand alongside those currently being made to honour the player’s former teammates, David Silva and Vincent Kompany. That trio, along with midfielder Yaya Toure, was central to City’s success over the past decade.
Aguero joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2011. He scored at least 28 goals in all competitions in six straight seasons for City. He will certainly go down as one of the greatest strikers to have played in the Premier League. Aguero is the league’s highest-scoring overseas player. His haul of 181 puts him fourth on the all-time scoring list, behind Alan Shearer (260), Wayne Rooney (208) and Andy Cole (187). Aguero also has a Premier League-high of 12 hat tricks.
Aguero said he forged ‘an indestructible bond with all those who love this club. These are people who will always be in my heart’.
“I will continue to give it my utmost for the rest of the season to win more titles and bring more joy to the fans,” Aguero said. “Then, a new stage with new challenges will begin,” added football legend Diego Maradona’s son-in-law.
Aguero has won the Premier League title four times, the League Cup five times and the FA Cup once with Manchester City. However, a Champions Trophy winner’s medal has eluded him.
Aguero was able to change his game to fit in with the style of play demanded by Pep Guardiola who took charge of City in 2016. He transformed himself into more of an all-round player, with the ability to drop deeper and link up play. However, he never lost his fearsome ball-striking and poacher qualities inside the area.
Aguero has previously spoken about returning to Argentina to finish his career with former club Independiente.
