SERGIO AGUERO claimed his free transfer to Barcelona is a ‘step forward’ in his career after the Manchester City legend was officially unveiled at the Nou Camp.
The Argentine has been locked in talks with the Catalan side ever since announcing he would be leaving the Etihad after ten years of service.
Both parties have been eager to keep an official announcement under wraps while City were still competing in the Champions League.
But just 48 hours after their final heartbreak to Chelsea in Porto, Barca have wasted no time in announcing their high-profile arrival.
The club revealed his signing on Twitter with a painting of him wearing a Barcelona shirt.
Aguero has penned a two-year deal to team up with international compatriot Lionel Messi which includes an £86million buy-out clause.
A statement written on the club’s website said: “FC Barcelona and Sergio ‘Kun’ Agüero have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club from 1 July when his contract with Manchester City expires.
“The player will sign a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season and his buy out clause is set at 100 million euros.”
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After sealing his move, Aguero said: “We all know that Barca are the best club in the world. So I think I made a great decision to be here and I hope to help the team.
“Of course it’s a step forward in my career. I’m really happy and hopefully I can help the team to win things.
“I want to send a big hug to all supporters. I will try to give my best and hopefully the fans will enjoy my football skills.
“First of all, I wanted to play and help this squad and if the team does it well I’ll be happy individually. I just try to help the team, and try to arrive at the end of the season with chances to win the titles.”
Aguero added: “I’ve changed. When I arrived in Europe at Atletico Madrid I was 18 years old, I learned a lot. Then I played for City in the Premier League.
“Now I’ve changed my way of playing, but I have an idea of where I can play and I will try to help my teammates with my experience.”
Aguero couldn’t produce a fairytale ending to his Man City career as he left the Champions League final field in tears.
But he leaves a City legend departing as the club’s record scorer with 260 goals in all competitions in 389 appearances.
Aguero also won 12 major pieces of silverware including five league titles.
Man City will recognise his achievements by erecting a statue outside the Etihad stadium.
Eagle-eyed Barcelona fans noticed the deal was confirmed before the announcement due to a blunder on the club’s website.
They uploaded their website with a link directing them to Aguero’s official presentation due to take place at 6:00pm central European time.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
