‘He can win games on his own’: Sergio Aguero likened to Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona by Pep Guardiola

The Argentine has been described as “extraordinary” by his manager after confirming his departure this summer

Manchester City’s record goalscorer Sergio Aguero (Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola has likened Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero to Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi for his impact in the Premier League.

The Argentine is set to leave the Etihad this summer and will likely swap leagues after a decade in England’s top tier.

Only three players have scored more goals than the former Independiente and Atletico Madrid forward has in the Premier League (181), with Alan Shearer (260), Wayne Rooney (208) and Andy Cole (187) out in front, though the latter may be caught before his summer exit.

And Guardiola has compared Aguero’s impact to two legendary compatriots due to the sheer volume of his statistics.

“Maradona conquered Italy, Messi did it in Spain, and Aguero has done it in England, his numbers speak for themselves,” Guardiola said.

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“When you have that internal fire, play with that anger, his incredible talent comes out, he can win games on his own.

“He is an extraordinary person, and we still have another month and a half to win things and score goals.”

Meanwhile a former teammate of Aguero claims he has more to give and is excited for his next step.

“Do I believe he’s still got plenty to give? Of course I do,” Richards said in his column for the Daily Mail. “A fully-fit Aguero, even at that age, can score you 15, 20 goals in a season.

“This is not a striker who is over the hill, so that’s why this decision is proving difficult for me to accept. This is arguably the best-ever striker to grace the Premier League, up there with Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.

“He hasn’t been pleased with sitting on the substitutes’ bench [this season]. He wants to play, and that’s understandable. Now he and the club are parting ways, and I cannot help but feel sad about it all.”