Aguero puts Liverpool and City on alert

Liverpool and Manchester City target Sergio Aguero has publicly stated his desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.

The Argentina striker posted a statement on his website saying he felt he needed a move to continue his development.

"I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly. And the time has come," the statement said.

"So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atletico. It hurts and saddens me. I've thought long and hard and I am convinced that I must be true to myself.

"I do not think I put a ceiling on the ability to keep learning, to keep growing. After five intense years, this stage for me personally is over and I have to give way to a new one.

"I'm about to turn 23 and I have everything before me. Suffice it to say that this is not an economic issue but strictly a sporting one.

"So I want to clearly express my appreciation to the club for the efforts they have made for giving me a salary that equates with the largest clubs in the world."

Aguero, 22, has scored over 100 goals for Atletico since joining from Independiente as a teenager in 2006.

As recently as January, he signed a new contract that runs until 2014 and was also named the club's vice-captain.

However, Aguero tonight said that he signed the new deal with an understanding that he may leave this summer, merely wanting to ensure Atletico received a larger fee.

"I want to say also that this decision has been maturing for some time," he added.

"The issue was discussed and agreed with Atletico last year when I was renewing my contract.

"I wanted to sign as a way to give back to the club for all the support they have given me. Had I not done so, they might not have received any more for my transfer. I received then a promise that the club would not stand in my way if I wanted to leave this summer.

"Therefore, in line with that commitment and my decision, I have asked them to listen to any offers they receive for me from different clubs."

Atletico suffered a disappointing season as they finished seventh in La Liga, although that has been good enough to earn them a Europa League berth.

Nevertheless, speculation over Aguero's future has been rife in recent days with the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool and Manchester City being linked with the son-in-law of Argentina legend Diego Maradona.

Only last week, Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin insisted Aguero was not for sale.

Source: Daily Mail

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.