Sergio Aguero has paved the way for his Manchester City exit — and an emotional return to his boyhood club in Argentina.
City’s all-time leading goal-scorer has revealed he intends to quit the Blues in 2019 and return to Buenos Aires side Independiente – where he started as a player before moving to Atletico Madrid – to see out his glittering career.
Striker Aguero said: “It came out that Milan and Real Madrid wanted me and – I don’t know where I read it – but they said, ‘They just spoiled Independiente’s dream.’ But the idea was always to go back to Independiente when my contract with City runs out in 2019.
“I have an option to extend one more year with City where it’s the priority but it’s always an option.
“The idea is to go back. Now, I’m doing very well and hopefully we can win the cup [title], but it’s not easy.”
He revealed his plan while on international duty with Argentina in Moscow, ahead of a friendly against World Cup hosts Russia on Saturday.
While City are adamant Aguero has committed to a contract extension that ties him to them until 2020, the 29-year-old has made clear his exit strategy for a year earlier.
Aguero, who has scored 179 goals for the Blues, said he planned to see out this season and the following campaign, before leaving in summer 2019 after eight years in Manchester.
City’s continued pursuit of Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez may even see Aguero leave next summer.
Boss Pep Guardiola remains keen to sign Sanchez, despite City failing with a £60million deadline-day bid for the 28-year-old Chile international in the summer.
Sanchez is set to be out of contract at season’s end and City would be able to land him as a free agent, which could ultimately see Aguero move on as a result.
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