“You want to try” – Julian Alvarez reveals Sergio Aguero Manchester City inspiration

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has revealed how Sergio Aguero’s legacy impacted his decision to move to the Etihad Stadium.

The 24-year-old has made 85 appearances and won five trophies including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League since moving to Manchester City from River Plate in 2022, with the striker also winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Alvarez, who has featured prominently for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this season, became the latest Argentinian star to move to the Etihad Stadium, following in the footsteps of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Pablo Zabaleta and Nicolas Otamendi.

The forward has scored 32 goals for the Sky Blues and is the club’s first Argentine striker since Aguero, who scored 260 goals in 390 appearances over a 10-year stay at Manchester City.

Aguero won 14 trophies under three different managers during a decade of incredible service in east Manchester, winning five Premier League titles, including a famous first league title in 2012 with a dramatic goal against QPR.

The 35-year-old was forced to retire due to a heart condition within months of signing for FC Barcelona, however the influence of Aguero was profound on Alvarez, with the striker inspired by the legend’s success at City.

“I remember that moment well, because for Argentina it was a huge moment as it was Kun (Aguero) who scored. And to win the Premier League title in the last seconds was huge for City,” he told the club’s official website.

“I remember watching it with my family at home. I think it was lunchtime in Argentina and we were watching it, I remember shouting at the TV when he scored!

“Seeing everything my fellow Argentines have achieved here, and managing it in another country, seeing that the people here love you so much and now we can see the statue that Aguero has here at the Etihad Stadium.

“It pays tribute to the number of goals he scored here, all the titles, the recognition he was given. You see that and it makes you want to try and do the same.”

Alvarez is currently bidding to help Manchester City win an eighth Premier League title and fourth successive under the management of Guardiola.

The 24-year-old has been directly involved in 25 goals already this season and has featured in 31 matches for the Sky Blues to date.