Sergio's preference is my preference - Guardiola not opposed to Aguero joining Premier League rival

Pep Guardiola would have no qualms over Sergio Aguero joining another Premier League club when he leaves Manchester City at the end of this season.

It was announced last week that Aguero will conclude a decade-long association with City when his contract expires in June.

The 32-year-old is his club's all-time leading goalscorer with 257, having surpassed Eric Brook's previous best mark of 177 in November 2017.

Aguero is also the highest scoring overseas player in Premier League history and Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham and City's weekend opponents Leeds United have been among the clubs rumoured to hold an interest in the Argentina striker.

After his years of service to City, Guardiola insisted he was not in a position to pick and choose where he might want Aguero – who has also been mentioned in dispatches with Barcelona, Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica – to fulfil his wish to "continue competing at the highest level".

"The best for him, we wish, all of us. Find the best for Sergio for the last years in his career, for sure," the City manager told reporters.

"We'll be delighted with the decision he takes, the best for him and his family and his career.

"My preference is his preference. His preference is my preference. The best for him is the best for us."

Well-earned victory with a great showing from the whole team. Now, getting prepared for Tuesday! And thank you all for your messages and affection pic.twitter.com/QymtizTUkm
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) April 3, 2021

Asked whether he expects to see one final burst of peak Aguero in City colours as the club chase honours on four fronts, Guardiola offered no guarantees.

Indeed, he revealed the forward "felt something in his leg" before being substituted after an hour of last weekend's 2-0 win at Leicester City.

Aguero was an unused substitute for Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Borussia Dortmund, with a hamstring injury and a bout of coronavirus having compromised his return to full fitness following meniscus surgery last June.

"Everything can happen. I'm sorry, I'm not a person who can see far away more than one week. In football I learned from my period as a player and a manager that everything can change quickly in a positive way or not positive way," Guardiola said.

"Everyone must be ready and hopefully Sergio can be ready quick.

"Sergio is a lovely person with specific qualities and skills. I understand him, I know him, and I understand he needs time to get in best condition.

"In the Leicester game, which was so difficult because they defend so deep and so tight, he moved well and helped us. He felt something in his leg he was substituted. He is doing better."