“I wanted one more year” – Manchester City legend reveals contract renewal controversy despite 14-trophy haul

Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has revealed disappointment at not being offered a new contract back in 2021.

The Argentinian announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 in December 2021 due to a heart condition, just months after signing for FC Barcelona on a free transfer after departing Manchester City following a 10-year stay.

The former striker is Manchester City’s all-time leading goalscorer with 260 goals, having moved to the Premier League in 2011 from Atletico Madrid for £35 million.

The 35-year-old made 390 appearances during a decade of service at the Etihad Stadium, helping the Sky Blues to 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles.

Aguero’s final match for Manchester City was the agonising UEFA Champions League Final defeat against Chelsea in 2021, with the striker featuring from the bench for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The striker started and ended his Premier League career with a brace, memorably scoring twice during a 5-0 thrashing of Everton on his final appearance at the Etihad Stadium.

Aguero made just eight starts during his final season with Manchester City, and moved to Barcelona after being informed that his contract wouldn’t be extended beyond the summer of 2021.

In a recent interview relayed by the Daily Mail, the 35-year-old revealed his disappointment at not being offered a new deal by Etihad chiefs.

“In January 2021 City told me that they were not going to renew my contract. In February they confirmed it to me,” said Aguero.

“I wanted one more year, I was willing to be on the bench. I had been playing little with Pep (Guardiola), but I wanted to help.”

Manchester City didn’t sign a replacement for Aguero until 2022, beating a number of European clubs to the signature of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for £51 million.

Haaland scored 52 goals in 53 appearances during his maiden season at the Etihad Stadium, smashing the Premier League goalscoring record.