MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed Sergio Aguero will leave the club this summer.
The Argentina striker, 32, is City’s all-time leading goalscorer with 257 goals in 384 games.
Aguero joined the club in 2011 from Atletico Madrid for £35million.
And he has led City to numerous trophies including four Premier League titles.
But Aguero will part ways with the club after ten years when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
City plan to make Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland their top target as boss Pep Guardiola targets an era of domination.
City paid tribute to ‘legend’ Aguero on Monday, revealing they will be building a statute of Aguero to go alongside ones of David Silva and Vincent Kompany which are already under construction.
Aguero confirmed the news tonight in an emotional post on social media.
He said: “When a cycle comes to an end, many sensations arise.
“A huge sense of satisfaction and pride remains in me for having played with Manchester City for a whole ten seasons – unusual for a professional player in this day and age.
“Ten seasons with major achievements, 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.
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“I was to join during the reconstruction era of 2011, and with the guidance of the owners and the contributions of many players, we earned a place among the greatest of the world.
“The task to maintain this well-deserved privileged position will remain on others.
“As for myself, 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.
“Then, a new stage with new challengers will begin, and I am fully ready to face them with the same passion and professionalism that I have always dedicated to continue competing at the highest level.”
Meanwhile, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak thanked Aguero for his incredible years of service.
And he said the veteran will always be welcome back at the club.
Al Mubarak said: “Sergio’s contribution to Manchester City over the last 10 years cannot be overstated.
“His legend will be indelibly etched into the memories of everyone who loves the Club and maybe even in those who simply love football.
“This is not yet the moment for farewell words and speeches. There is still much to achieve in the remainder of the time we have with Sergio, and we look forward to his contributions to the challenges which lay ahead.
“In the meantime, it gives me great pleasure to announce that we will be commissioning an artist to create a statue of Sergio to live at the Etihad Stadium alongside the ones under construction for Vincent and David.
“And we look forward to the opportunity to bid Sergio a fitting farewell at the end of the season.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
