London: Manchester City received a boost on the eve of the new Premier League season as Argentina striker Sergio Aguero signed a new five-year contract with the English champions.
Aguero is now tied to City until 2019 and his decision to commit his long-term future to the Eastlands club is a major bonus as they prepare to start their defence of the Premier League title at Newcastle on Sunday.
The 26-year-old’s goals have played a significant role in City winning the Premier League twice in the last three years, with his most famous strike the injury time effort against QPR that sealed the title on the final day of the 2011-12 season.
Former Atletico Madrid forward Aguero had been linked with a move back to Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid both said to be eyeing the star, but he insisted he was always happy to stay with City.
“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,” Aguero told City’s website.
“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 follows in the footsteps of Samir Nasri, Vincent Kompany and David Silva in extending his City contract in recent months.
Since his arrival in 2011, Aguero has lifted two Premier League titles, the League Cup and the Community Shield.
In that time, he has made 122 appearances and scored 75 goals.
“Each year, I aim to better the previous one. Last season was incredible but I’m not just satisfied with two Premier League titles, I want more and I can achieve them here alongside my teammates,” Aguero added.
“This club is special; the fans, the stadium, the staff, the atmosphere — everything.
“We have enjoyed lots of success and some incredible moments but the overall vision for the future and where we are going are the reasons why I wanted to stay here, to win trophies and to keep making history through my best years.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia joined Russian club Zenit St Petersburg on Thursday.
Garcia was signed by former City manager Roberto Mancini from Benfica in 2012, but he never became a regular starter for the Italian or his successor Manuel Pellegrini.
The 27-year-old is reported to have cost Zenit £12 million (Dh73.5 million) and he will link up with former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas at the Petrovsky Stadium.
“Spanish midfielder Javi Garcia has left City to join Zenit St Petersburg on a permanent basis,” a statement on City’s website confirmed.
Garcia won both the Premier League and League Cup with City last season and leaves Eastlands after 71 appearance over the past two years.
His departure follows the £10 million exit of fellow midfielder Jack Rodwell to Sunderland earlier this month.
City effectively already have a replacement for Garcia in the squad having signed Fernando from Porto in June.
Eliaquim Mangala, Willy Caballero, Frank Lampard, Bruno Zuculini and Bacary Sagna are the other new faces in the English champions’ squad ahead of the new season.
City begin the defence of their Premier League crown at Newcastle on Sunday.
