Coach Pep Guardiola hails 'irreplaceable' Sergio Aguero

Pep Guardiola believes Sergio Aguero is "irreplaceable" as Manchester City forward enters final 18 months of his glorious career in English football. record-breaking Argentinian is likely to be on bench for reigning Premier League champions visit to Wolves on Friday as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem. That injury has sidelined 31-year-old since end of vember and given Guardiola a taste of what life will be like when Aguero's contract ends next year. City manr does t expect to be able to talk Aguero into changing his plans to end his career in his homeland and that will leave Guardiola with thankless task of replacing a man who has, to date, scored 244 times for his club.

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"I'd say it will be one of toughest (tasks). Sergio is irreplaceable," said Guardiola. "We have an incredible or striker in Gabriel Jesus and maybe ar one will come when Sergio leaves. But he is irreplaceable." 

Aguero played a pivotal role when City were crowned champions of England for first time in 44 years when his last-gasp winner against QPR took m to 2011/12 Premier League title. " most important moment of this club, more important than if one day this club wins Champions League, is moment when Sergio scored that goal, against QPR to win first Premier League (2012) after I don't kw how many years," said Guardiola. "That moment is much better than four titles in one season or whatever. And he was guy. More than anything, more than goals he has done at this club. "But sooner or later it is going to happen (Aguero's departure), he'll decide when." Aguero's efforts in three-and-a-half seasons that Guardiola has been in charge at Etihad have been all more impressive given many thought Argentina international would t fit into Catalan manr's demanding style of play. Jesus was seen as an immediate successor to Aguero but veteran had or ideas and, after leading City to that memorable maiden Premier League title in 2012, has been a central figure during most successful years in club's history.

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'Humble star'

"He's responded incredibly well," said Guardiola. "I've never seen as big a star as him be so humble, such a funny guy, and it is a joy to work with him and how he accepts sometimes my decisions even when it has t worked for him. "As big a star as him don't (usually) accept that. I've worked with or stars -- who believe y're bigger stars than Sergio and y were t -- and it was more difficult to handle m or be with m." 

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Aguero remains such a crucial figure in City's modern history, especially since pre-season departure of former captain Vincent Kompany, and while Guardiola would be open to possibility of Aguero remaining beyond 2021, he does t feel it likely. "I don't kw. He can stay but it depends on his physical condition and desire," he said.  "But I didn't speak with him and I don't kw his intentions." 

David Silva is also due to leave City after end of season, with Guardiola openly conceding he has hope of talking Spain international into staying at Etihad. But, unlike  Aguero, Guardiola does t expect to sign a replacement for Silva, a player many believe to be best foreign import in Premier League history. "In this position, we're t going to do anything," he said. "Maybe I'1l change my mind but we have or priorities. I have eugh re. "Bernardo can play re, Phil (Foden) is re, we have (Ilkay) Gundogan and Kevin (De Bruyne)." 

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