Manchester City star Sergio Agüero plans to return to Argentina to play for his boyhood club, Independiente, according to his father, Leonel del Castillo.
The transfer would take place following the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Castillo told ESPN: “He wants to come back. After Russia he’ll be returning with lots of energy.”
The Argentine has become a fans favourite over the past four seasons, netting an impressive 107 goals in 162 games for the Sky Blues, having been propelled instantly into City history after his last minute title-winning goal against Queens Park Rangers in 2012.
Agüero is the greatest striker City have ever seen and it would be a struggle that could last years to replace him if the rumours are true
— ⠀ (@ReecesPiece_) July 9, 2015
The 27-year old was signed from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in 2012 for a club record fee of £38 million. In August 2014, he extended his contract at the club until 2019 – meaning that a departure in 2018 could be difficult, especially since many top clubs would be racing for his signature.
Aguero’s father says he will leave #MCFC after the WC in 2018. Sir, he signed an extension less than 11 months ago taking him into 2019.
— Mike Devlin (@BlueWolf1894) July 8, 2015
@MCFClnfo If Aguero was to leave, I’d only want him at Barça. So him, Messi, Suarez and Neymar can cause mayhem.
— Jordan (@JordaayR) July 8, 2015
However, Agüero himself recently claimed that he would not leave the Etihad until he wins the Champions League, telling The Telegraph: “Not only will I stay the four years to make it eight here in total, I’ll stay beyond that, until we win [the Champions League].”
Sergio Aguero will leave City in 2018, according to his father. [Daily Star] pic.twitter.com/0MigFkGTwz
— MCFC Info (@MCFClnfo) July 8, 2015
He also told the Daily Mirror: “The only reason a player should leave a club is to achieve things, and I can achieve all I want to at City.
“I can’t stop rumours. I can’t stop people writing things. But what I can do is repeat what I have already said, and that is that I’m very happy at Manchester City.”
@MCFClnfo he’s current contract expires in 2019 think he’ll be 29 by then. If so the CFA should be peaking around that time. Be gutterd tho.
— Pellegrini’s Tie (@sdread_mcfc) July 8, 2015
City manager Manuel Pellegrini also ruled out the departure of Agüero, saying in May that he sees the striker as one of ‘the top five players in the world’ and that he doesn’t expect him to leave as City ‘are not a selling team’.
Main image courtesy of TalkSport via YouTube, with thanks.
