At the conclusion of the 2021 season, Manchester City said goodbye to club icon Sergio Aguero.
Sergio Aguero’s final game with Manchester City was what he always hoped for.
The Argentine Premier League legend had the chance to bring the Champions League trophy back to the Etihad Stadium for the first time in the club's history.
But it wasn’t meant to be.
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Manchester City fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea that night last summer.
Despite this, fans and players alike had given Sergio Aguero their respect that he always deserved, as he had led them up to the promised land over the course of his career in east Manchester.
Throughout his decade at the Etihad Stadium, Sergio Aguero set multiple records - including becoming the highest goalscorer with 247 goals, winning the most titles at the club with 15 to his name, as well as scoring the most hat-tricks in UEFA competitions.
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A full season after Sergio Aguero’s departure, Pep Guardiola successfully pursued Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland as the club legend's long-term successor.
It is a title which would certainly not bother Haaland, given his collection of Aguero jerseys at home.
At a fan event, Erling Haaland discussed his affection for the Manchester City legend.
Haaland admitted, “He's a legend, one of the best ever to play in the Premier League.
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"I remember a lot of goals he scored, especially the 93:20 goal.”
The respect is felt both ways, as when Erling Haaland’s transfer was starting to become heavily rumoured, Sergio Aguero wished him his best.
"He's a good striker, I hope he adapts well to the team because it is not easy to play here in the Premier League," Aguero said.
“I wish him all the best because I am a fan now of Manchester City and I hope now he scores many goals."
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As Sergio Aguero’s replacement, Haaland will have a lot of pressure on himself to play up to a similar level, especially with a £51 million price tag to his name.
When asked about how he would deal with the pressures facing him, Haaland explained that it isn’t anything new to him.
“l’ll handle it like I have my whole career, try to enjoy every moment.
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“Try not to think too much, overthinking isn't a good thing.”
As Haaland penned a five-year contract with Manchester City, there is a chance that he will find himself amongst the records which Aguero had set.
During his time with Borussia Dortmund, the Norway international averaged a goal in every game, with his only downside being his injury history.
If the 21 year-old is able to stay off of the injured list, he may be able to recreate similar statistics in England.
Topics: Manchester City, Erling Haaland, Sergio Aguero, Premier League, Football
Declan Harris