Sergio Agüero turned down two chances to move to Turin in the summer as he wanted to join Lionel Messi at Barcelona instead.
That's according to a report by Sport.Es, as quoted by Football Italia, which claims the 33 year old was one of The Old Lady's main targets of the most recent transfer window. Unfortunately for Agüero his wishes to play alongside international teammate Messi were short lived, with the latter failing to agree terms with the Spanish giants and moving to PSG in August.
Despite this and an injury-stricken return to life in Spain, the report suggests that Agüero does not regret the transfer and is close to making his debut for Ronald Koeman's side.
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Barcelona tweeted a video of the former Manchester City man in training yesterday, prompting Mundo Deportivo to suggest that he will be back in contention for El Clásico on 24th October.
Agüero was arguably the most high-profile signing Barcelona made during what was a turbulent summer. Manager Koeman was full of praise for the Argentine when the deal to bring him to Catalonia was confirmed a few months ago.
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"He's really experienced, really good quality in the box," Koeman told club media in July. "He's a finishing player, scoring goals and let's hope that we can put him on a good physical level. I think he lost a little bit last season.
"He had some injuries and was not physically top where you need to be to play but we give him that possibility to come to that level."
Agüero returned the compliment to Koeman in an interview with Mundo Deportivo in September.
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"The relationship is good," he said. "He's a very direct guy and that relieves the player. He tells you if he likes what you do and also if he doesn't like what you do. It's better this way to know what's happening."
With both Juventus and Barcelona struggling at present, Agüero is certainly an attacking either side need.
Whether the latter will be able to recover his fitness and form could be crucial in their efforts to have a respectable season.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Sergio Aguero, Barcelona, Juventus