Sergio Agüero: Manchester City forward will leave at the end of the season, with the club to commission him a statue at the Etihad | Football news

Manchester City forward Sergio Agüero will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

City informed Aguero that he would not be renewing his contract after a season largely on the sidelines, with injuries and illnesses keeping him in just 14 appearances so far this season.

Agüero, who was signed by Atlético de Madrid in 2011, will be honored with a statue at the Etihad Stadium, which will be alongside those of his former teammates David Silva and Vincent Kompany.

City coach Pep Guardiola spoke with 32-year-old Aguero in person on Monday before the announcement was made, while President Khaldoon Al Mubarak called the striker to inform him of plans for the statue.

The Argentine international has helped City win four Premier League titles, an FA Cup and five League Cups during his 10-year tenure, with the club still chasing a quadruple this season.

Aguero is also City’s record scorer, with 257 goals in 384 appearances for the club, having surpassed Eric Brook’s 78-year-old record in 2017.

In a statement, Agüero said: “When a cycle comes to an end, many sensations arise.

“I have a great feeling of satisfaction and pride in having played for Manchester City for ten full seasons, which is unusual for a professional player today.

“Ten seasons of great achievement, throughout which I was able to become the all-time top scorer and forge an indestructible bond with everyone who loves this club, people who will always be in my heart.

“I would join during the rebuilding era of 2011, and with the guidance of the owners and the contributions of many players, we earned our place among the greatest in the world.

“The task of maintaining this well-deserved privileged position will continue to fall to others.

“As for me, I will continue to do my best for the rest of the season to win more titles and bring more joy to the fans. Then a new stage will begin with new challenges, and I am fully prepared to face them with the same passion and professionalism that I have always dedicated myself to continue competing at the highest level. “

City President Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “It is my great pleasure to announce that we will commission an artist to create a statue of Sergius to live in the Etihad Stadium alongside the ones being built for Vincent. [Kompany] and david [Silva].

“We hope to have the opportunity to say goodbye to Sergio at the end of the season.”

City interested in Ings as a replacement for Agüero

Manchester City are interested in signing Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer as a possible successor to Sergio Agüero.

Agüero is ready to leave City at the end of the season and identifying his replacement has become one of the top priorities of the Premier League leaders.

His search has included all of the best central forwards in the world, including Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

But with Haaland also sought after by Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and others, and his market value is said to be £ 100 million, Ings has been identified as a more achievable option by the champions-elect.

The 28-year-old has bounced back as one of the Premier League’s top scorers since joining Southampton permanently from Liverpool in 2019 and working his way back to England’s fold.

When does the summer transfer window open?

The Premier League says a decision has yet to be made on the dates of this summer’s transfer window.

The FIFA Transfer Matching System website lists the dates for the men’s window in England and Scotland from June 9 to August 31.

But each league can alter its dates within that period.