Sergio Agüero is set to become one of the most in-demand players in Europe after expressing his desire to leave Atlético Madrid in the summer.
Reports have long linked the 22-year-old with a move away from the Vicente Calderón, but in recent weeks it was claimed he was growing increasingly frustrated with their lack of success.
He said: "I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly and the time has come.
"So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atlético. 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."
Agüero has scored over 100 goals for Los Rojiblancos since joining from Independiente as a teenager in 2006 and earlier this season signed a new contract that runs until 2014.
However, the son-in-law of Diego Maradona said that he signed the new deal with an understanding that he may leave this summer, merely wanting to ensure Atlético received a larger fee.
Agüero added: "I want to say also that this decision has been maturing for some time.
"The issue was discussed and agreed with Atlético 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."
Agüero's statement comes after Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín announced last week that the striker was not for sale.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
 |
|
| Sergio Agüero considering a move away from Atlético Madrid this summer Photo: Reuters |
Reports have long linked the 22-year-old with a move away from the Vicente Calderón, but in recent weeks it was claimed he was growing increasingly frustrated with their lack of success.
And Agüero posted a statement on his website on Monday saying he felt he needed a move to continue his development after five seasons in the Spanish capital.
He said: "I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly and the time has come.
"So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atlético. 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."
Agüero has scored over 100 goals for Los Rojiblancos since joining from Independiente as a teenager in 2006 and earlier this season signed a new contract that runs until 2014.
However, the son-in-law of Diego Maradona said that he signed the new deal with an understanding that he may leave this summer, merely wanting to ensure Atlético received a larger fee.
Agüero added: "I want to say also that this decision has been maturing for some time.
"The issue was discussed and agreed with Atlético 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."
Agüero's statement comes after Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín announced last week that the striker was not for sale.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
