Guardiola responds to prospect of Aguero joining Spurs, Chelsea or Leeds
Pep Guardiola insists he be happy to see Sergio Aguero lining up against Manchester City next season amid reports linking the striker with Chelsea, Tottenham and Leeds United.
Aguero is out of contract with Manchester City at the end of the season. The club have already confirmed they will not be renewing their all-time record scorer’s deal. Hence, his decade of service will come to an end, leaving him on the lookout for a new club.
The 32-year-old is keen to prove he can still succeed in the Premier League despite failing to score from open play in this season’s competition. He could also consider a move to another major European league. To that end, Aguero has been linked with Barcelona and a return to former club Atletico Madrid.
There are plenty of suitors vying to keep him in England, though. A recent report claimed that he could consider a move to Tottenham or Chelsea.
Shock reports on Friday, meanwhile, also claimed Leeds United were looking into the possibility of signing Aguero.
The 32-year-old, who has scored 257 goals for City in a decade at the Etihad Stadium, is yet to indicate what his next move will be.
However, Guardiola has no issues were Aguero to decide to sign for a Premier League rival. In fact, he could join Spurs, Chelsea or Leeds with his 100% blessing.
The City boss said: “We wish the best for him, all of us. Find the best for Sergio for the last years in his career, for sure.
“We’ll be delighted with the decision he takes, the best for him and his family and his career.
“My preference is his preference. His preference is my preference. The best for him is the best for us.”
Aguero’s season has been ravaged by injury and illness. He underwent knee surgery in the summer. His comeback this term was complicated by further pain in the joint and a hamstring problem. Aguero then had more than a month out after contracting Covid-19.
Pep: We want the best for Aguero
Pep Guardiola says he has no preference over whether Sergio Aguero stays in England or moves abroad and insists he will support the player's choice.
He returned to the starting line-up for only the sixth time this season in last weekend’s victory at Leicester but was withdrawn after 63 minutes, with Guardiola revealing he felt a twinge.
Guardiola said: “The Leicester game was so difficult because they defend so deep and so tight.
“For the strikers it was not easy but he moved well and helped us. He felt something in his leg. He was substituted but he is doing better.”
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Guardiola hopes for big Aguero finish
Guardiola acknowledges Aguero has always taken time to recover his best form after fitness problems but remains hopeful he can have a big impact in the remainder of the season as City chase a quadruple.
He said: “Sergio is a lovely person with specific qualities and skills. I understand him, I know him, and I understand he needs time to get in the best condition.
“Everything can happen. Everything can change quickly in a positive way or not positive way. Everyone must be ready and hopefully Sergio can be ready quick.”
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