Sergio Aguero signs new deal: Manchester City striker becomes the fourth player to sign a five-year contract this week

City have tied down the striker to a long-term contract in an effort to keep him sout of the clutches of the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona

Andy Hampson
Saturday 16 August 2014 09:28 EDT
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Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero (GETTY IMAGES)

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Sergio Aguero has capped an extraordinary week for Manchester City by becoming the fourth player in four days to sign a five-year contract with the club.

The Argentina striker has followed fellow star players Vincent Kompany and David Silva in committing to the Barclays Premier League champions until 2019.

That triple boost for City has come after the week began with confirmation of the £32million capture of defender Eliaquim Mangala from Porto.

City announced details of Aguero's new long-term commitment directly to fans at their 'City Live' season launch party at Manchester Central.

The 26-year-old, who has scored 75 goals in 122 appearances since his £38million arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2011, hopes the news will end recurring speculation over his future.

Aguero said: "The reality seems to be that ever since I came here, during every close season, there have always been rumours suggesting that I might be returning to Spain.

"There has always been this speculation, but I certainly never pay much attention to it.

"People hear this stuff flying around and they take it seriously, but I can tell the fans and everyone at City to relax - I'm going to be here until I see out my contract."

Aguero has scored 52 goals in the Premier League, including the famous last-gasp, title-clinching strike against QPR in his first season.

Another league title and a Capital One Cup win followed last season although Aguero - despite still finishing club top scorer with 28 - was hampered throughout the second half of the campaign by muscle injuries.

Aguero continues to build up his fitness after suffering a groin injury at the World Cup and he is doubtful for Sunday's season-opener at Newcastle.

But he said: "I got back here last week and the aim to begin with is two weeks of just hard work to strengthen the legs and to get my fitness right. By the third week I'll be fully 100 per cent and ready to go."

The party mood at 'City Live' was enhanced as talismanic midfielder Yaya Toure was named as last season's player of the year while right-back Pablo Zabaleta was honoured for playing the most minutes.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini's efforts in guiding City to Premier League and Capital One Cup success in his first season were recognised as he was named rookie of the year.

The Chilean said: "We won two titles - the Capital One Cup and the Premier League, but I think there is space where we can put a third one - with two big ears."

In other business, midfielder Javi Garcia completed his expected move to Zenit Petersburg for a reported fee of £13million.

The 28-year-old, who cost £15.8million from Benfica two years ago, has signed a five-year contract with the Russian club.

PA

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