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As Argentina prepares for another Copa America, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has spoken of his desire to return to boyhood club Independiente. The 30-year-old who had an impressive season at City is part of the national team setup again after having endured a disappointing World Cup campaign in Russia. The Argentines were knocked of the global showpiece by eventual champions France in the Round of 16.
Players like Lionel Messi took time off from the team as a result of the disappointment. The Barcelona star did not play for his country for over nine months but has returned in time for the competition which begins June 14.
Aguero will be one of the stars on parade for the Albiceleste who have reached the final of the last two editions of the competition but lost out to Chile. As preparations have picked up for the event, Aguero spoke to the media concerning his past year as well as his future plans.
”In all the competitions, this was the year I have been at my best condition physically.
”I didn’t have that many injuries... I only lost a week and a half in the whole year.
”For me it was fundamental to end the year the way I did and now I’ll try to keep in the same shape with the national team.
”When you’re not called up you imagine the worst, but I tried to do things right at my club, not thinking about it. Thank God, for my form and for the way I ended the season, I’m here today,” he said.
Concerning his future plans, he revealed:
”I always try [to get back to Argentina],
”I know what the fans [of Independiente] want, but I have a contract with City and I try to focus on these two years I’ve got left.
”Then I’ll see what I’ll do but of course, the Rojo [Independiente] is my priority.”
The City forward has a very strong affinity for his boyhood club. He left Independiente as a teenager in 2006 to join Atletico Madrid and later moved to City from the Spanish capital. His time in Manchester has been hugely rewarding for both himself and the club.
The last year has been most rewarding as he helped the club to the treble having scored 32 times across all competitions. It’s not surprising then that he was preferred by national team manager Lionel Scaloni ahead of Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi. Aguero scored 21 Premier League goals, becoming only the second player in the history of the division to find the back of the net at least 20 times in five consecutive seasons.