Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Aguero, who signed for City in the summer of 2011 from Atletico Madrid, will end a decade-long stay during which he has become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, so far finding the net 257 times in 284 appearances.
The Argentine also holds the record for the most goals in Premier League history by an overseas player and will be honoured with a statue, matching the tributes to be paid to fellow club legends David Silva and Vincent Company after their departures.
Aguero played a pivotal role in delivering City’s first Premier League title in 2011/12, his stoppage time winner against QPR on the final day of the season going down as one of the most iconic moments in English football history.
The 32-year-old has won four Premier League titles and looks certain to add another this season, with City 14 points clear at the top of the table with only eight games to play. Injuries have plagued the forward this season, restricting him to just eight league appearances during the campaign.
“Sergio’s contribution to Manchester City over the last 10 years cannot be overstated,” said City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak. “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.”
