Daily Express

AGUERO TO QUIT CITY

Record scorer reveals exit in emotional message to fans

- By Jeremy Cross

SERGIO AGUERO has announced he will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season.

The Argentinia­n striker is out of contract in June and both player and club have elected to part company.

Revealing his decision to bring to an end a decade of stunning success at the club, Aguero posted an emotional farewell message on Twitter. It read: “When a cycle comes to an end, many sensations arise. A huge sense of satisfacti­on and pride remains in me for having played with City for a whole 10 seasons – unusual for a profession­al player in this day and age.

“Ten seasons with major achievemen­t, throughout which I was able to become the top historic goalscorer and forging an indestruct­ible bond with all those who

love this club - people who will always be in my heart.”

Aguero will look back on a final campaign where he has struggled with injuries and made just 14 appearance­s so far, scoring three goals.

Losing the 32-year-old, who has had several offers from clubs in England, Europe and South America, will leave a huge hole in City’s squad.

Manager Pep Guardiola is now expected to step up plans to sign Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland, below, as his replacemen­t.

Aguero joined from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for £38million and has become City’s all-time record scorer with 257 goals in 384 appearance­s.

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his era, having won 10 major trophies at the Etihad, including four Premier League titles.

Aguero is also the highestsco­ring overseas player in Premier League history and has notched a record 12 hat-tricks in the competitio­n.

Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak said a statue would be erected in his honour, adding: “Sergio’s contributi­on cannot be overstated.

“His legend will be etched into the memories of everyone who loves the club and those who simply love football.”

 ??  ?? FAREWELL: Aguero says he’s forged unbreakabl­e bond with people who love the club
MAGIC MOMENT: After leaguewinn­ing goal v QPR in 2012
FAREWELL: Aguero says he’s forged unbreakabl­e bond with people who love the club MAGIC MOMENT: After leaguewinn­ing goal v QPR in 2012

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