Manchester City have confirmed that Sergio Aguero will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.
The 32-year old has spent a glittering decade with City, following his £35million arrival from Atletico Madrid.
Since then, his 257 goals in 384 appearances have cemented him as City's all-time record goal-scorer. He surpassed Eric Brook’s 78-year record in a 4-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League in 2017.
Aguero has gone on to win four Premier League titles with City, along with the 2019 FA Cup, and a quintet of League Cups.
He'll be forever linked with a remarkable few seconds on the final day of the 2011-12 season.
His injury-time winner against Queens Park Rangers saw City crowned champions at the expense of neighbours Manchester United. The Martin Tyler exclamation of "AGUERRROOOOOOO!!!" will live long in the collective memory.
However, injury has forced Aguero into becoming a peripheral figure at the Etihad in the last 18-months.
He's managed just eight Premier League appearances this season, and only 14 in all competitions as he battled through knee and hamstring injuries, as well as a bout of coronavirus.
A statue of the diminutive Argentine has been commissioned to stand outside the Etihad, along with fellow club legends Vincent Kompany and David Silva.
In a statement released on Twitter, Aguero wrote, "When a cycle comes to an end, many sensations arise.
"A huge sense of satisfaction and pride remains in me for having played with Manchester City for a whole ten seasons - unusual for a professional player this day and age.
"Ten seasons with major achievements, throughout which I was able to become the top historic goalscorer and forging an indestructible bond with all those who love this club - people who will always be in my heart.
"I was to join during the reconstruction era of 2011, and with the guidance of the owners and the contributions of many players, we earned a place among the greatest of the world.
"The task to maintain this well-deserved privileged position will remain on others. As for myself, I will continue to give it my utmost for the rest of the season to win more titles and bring more joy to the fans.
"Then, a new stage with new challenges will begin, and I am fully ready to face them with the same passion and professionalism that I have always dedicated to continue competing at the highest level."
City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak said, "Sergio’s contribution to Manchester City over the last 10 years cannot be overstated. 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.”
His final game at the Etihad will be against Everton, when City hope to have a limited number of fans inside their ground.
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) March 29, 2021
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