<
>

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero reiterates Independiente desire

Sergio Aguero has reiterated his desire to rejoin former club Independiente when his current contract with Manchester City expires.

Aguero, 27, says he intends to see out the five-year deal he signed in 2014 and leave after the 2018 World Cup, though his contract will take him through until the end of the 2018-19 season.

The Argentina striker has always expressed his desire to end his career in his homeland with Independiente -- the club he supported as a boy.

There had been recent reports that he could sign a contract extension that would run through until 2020. But Aguero told radio station Independiente en la Uno: "In the last few months a lot of things have been said about a new contract, but I didn't pay any attention.

"It is all set. I am going to retire at Independiente. My family knows, I will return as soon as I finish out my contract with Manchester City. Here they are already aware. They know that I want to return to Argentina. I am giving my word, from England, that I shall return to Avellaneda. I dream of playing with my brothers.

"Here at the club they are great with me, they always told me that they were open if the chance of a transfer arises. But where am I going to go in Europe?

"No, when I go, when my contract ends, I'm going to Argentina to play for El Rojo. From Manchester, straight to Avellaneda."

Aguero became the youngest player in the history of the Argentine top flight when he made his Independiente debut in 2003 at just 15. He scored 23 goals in 56 games for them before moving on to Atletico Madrid in 2006 and then signing for City for £38 million in 2011.

"Lio [Messi] told me once that if I wanted him to play for the Reds [Independiente], I would first have to go to Newell's," he added. "I know there are other players who want to return to Independiente, but I don't want to put them on the spot.

"One of them, though, is someone who already played with me at Avellaneda and has told me that if I return, he will too."

Aguero has scored 128 times goals for the Blues and is now just 50 short of becoming the club's record goal scorer.