Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed that Sergio Aguero is now close to signing for Barcelona.
Aguero scored two goals in his final Premier League appearance for Manchester City as Guardiola’s side sealed a 5-0 victory over Ancelotti’s Everton on the last day of the campaign.
The Argentina international will leave the citizens on a free transfer after Man City’s Champions League final against Chelsea next Saturday.
And during City’s title celebrations on Sunday, Guardiola confirmed that Aguero is likely to be linking up with Lionel Messi at Barcelona next campaign.
‘Maybe I reveal a secret,’ Pep Guardiola told BBC’s Match of the Day. ‘Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart… for Barcelona.
‘He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi.” ‘I’m pretty sure he is going to enjoy. And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch.’
In another post-match interview, Guardiola gave a tearful tribute to Aguero. He said: ‘We love him so much. ‘He’s a special person. He’s so nice. He helped me a lot… we cannot replace him, we cannot.
‘There are many players in this club – Joe Hart, David Silva – who helped us to be this club. We have his legacy. He showed his quality in 30 minutes.’
The striker long ago established himself as a legend at the club, so it might be shocking to see him leave with little resistance.
But both parties agreed that playing time would be difficult to come by at the Etihad ahead of next season, and by switching teams this summer, he can now get started on his next chapter without losing valuable time.
The exit has been graceful, with City giving the Argentine forward an emotional send-off that included team-mates lifting him above their heads in recognition of his importance to the club.
