Sergio Aguero’s decision to leave when his contract expires in 2019 has surprised Manchester City’s executive, as the hierarchy believed the striker was close to agreeing a one-year extension.

Aguero, 27, had been in ongoing discussions regarding staying at the club until summer 2020 and there was hope that once a final detail was ironed out he would sign the fresh terms.

Once doing so Aguero’s plan was to return to Argentina to re-join Independiente, where he began his career.

Yet Aguero has now stated he will leave the Etihad Stadium in the 2019 close season, at the end of the five-year deal he signed two years ago.

“It’s clear to me that when my contract ends, after the World Cup [in Russia in 2018], I’m going to Independiente,” Aguero told the Argentinian radio station El Rojo En La Uno. “Here at the club they are great with me, they always told me that they were open if the chance of a transfer arises. But where am I going to go in Europe?

"No, when I go, when my contract ends, I'm going to Argentina to play for El Rojo. From Manchester, straight to Avellaneda. My family know that I am going to go there when my contract with Manchester City finishes."

However given Aguero’s stellar success at the club and City’s desire to extend his stay, the forward’s comments may be a bargaining stance. So he could yet sign the new deal.

Guardian services