Seat belt saved me: Aguero
MANCHESTER: Sergio Aguero has admitted he could have suffered far worse than a broken rib in his recent car crash in Amsterdam.
The Manchester City striker was injured during a day off in the Dutch capital a fortnight ago when a taxi in which he was travelling crashed into a post.
Aguero’s injuries were expected to keep him out of action for two to four weeks but the 29yearold realises the accident could have left him in a much worse condition.
‘‘When I got to the hospital I asked the doctor if I could play for City on the Saturday [tomorrow NZ time]. He said, ‘I don’t believe so’,’’ Aguero told Argentina’s TyC Sports.
‘‘I took a moment to think and realised it’s thanks to wearing a seat belt that I’m able to talk about this at all.’’
Argentina’s national team doctor was quoted last week saying Aguero was likely to be sidelined for up to six weeks, but the player himself appears to have the initial prognosis in mind.
That means he could have a chance of returning to action in the Premier League clash against Stoke at Etihad Stadium.
During the interview, Aguero was also asked about the possibility of being joined at City by countryman Lionel Messi.
Rumours linking the Barcelona star with City have have always come to nothing.
The fivetime Ballon d’Or winner’s present contract situation at the Nou Camp is uncertain, but Aguero said: ‘‘City would have no money problems in regards to signing Messi, but he is a symbol of Barcelona and it would be very difficult for him to leave.’’
Aguero’s injuries forced him to miss Argentina’s crucial final World Cup qualifiers but Messi rescued a troubled campaign to secure a place in Russia next summer with a stunning hattrick against Ecuador. — BPA