At 26 years old, Manchester City’s Sergio Agüero has plenty of years left in his prime. The question is how healthy he’ll be during them.
Regardless, the defending Premier League champions have locked up their most dangerous scorer. With today’s new five-year deal, Agüero is committed to the club through the 2018-19 season, after which he’ll turn 31 years old.
“This club is special; the fans, the stadium, the staff, the atmosphere, the new facility we’re moving into – everything,” Agüero said, via the club’s website.
“We have enjoyed lots of success and some incredible moments but the overall vision for the future and where we are going are the reasons why I wanted to stay here,” Agüero explained, “to win trophies and to keep making history through my best years.”
Agüero joined Manchester City three years ago, with his 23 goals in 34 appearances helping the Citizens claim their first Premier League title. After dropping to 12 goals during the 2012-13 season, Agüero scored 17 last year, though injuries limited the former Atlético Madrid striker to 23 appearances – the first time in his career he failed to play in at least 30 league games.
Unfortunately for Agüero, the last two years have each set career lows in terms of minutes, with a player who averaged 2640 minutes in his first six European league seasons reduced to 1847 and 1538 in his last two. With fitness also a concern during this summer’s World Cup, Agüero has proved more injury prone with age.
It’s one of the few imperfections in the Argentine’s arsenal. When healthy, Agüero gives Manuel Pellegrini the elite goal-scorer he needs to keep City at the top of the table. With Luis Suárez gone, Agüero offers a strike rate that can rival any player in the Premier League.
And with his new deal in place, Agüero doesn’t plan on leaving the league any time soon:“The reality seems to be that ever since I came here, during every close season, there have always been rumours suggesting that I might be returning to Spain.
“There has always been this speculation but I certainly never pay much attention to it.
“People hear this stuff flying around and they take it seriously but I can tell the fans and everyone at City to relax, I’m going to be here until I see out my contract.Follow @richardfarley