Agüero: "I Will Not Be Returning to Atlético"

For a brief stretch in early July 2011, a section of the Atlético support had started to believe Sergio “Kun” Agüero might stay after all. The striker had announced on 23 May that he was ready for a change of scenery, but his father, Leo Agüero, told an Argentine radio station the following month that his son would see out his contract at the club. The comment set off talk of a change of heart.

It lasted a week. On the Wednesday, with Argentina still involved in the Copa América, the 23-year-old settled the matter in an interview with ESPN, reported by the EFE agency.

“It is clear, I will not be returning to Atlético,” he said. “I spoke to the club, I issued a statement, and now my representatives are negotiating my exit from the club. I don’t know when the agreement will come, but I hope to find out as soon as the Copa América ends.”

That closed the door on sporting director José Luis Caminero, who had held out hope of persuading the former Calderón idol to stay for at least one more season. From that point the club’s efforts turned to finding a replacement.

MARCA reported the same day that the proceeds of the sale, expected to reach at least the €45 million of Agüero’s release clause, would be put towards signing Radamel Falcao of Porto. The Colombian’s own release clause stood at €30 million, though his lack of a European passport was seen as a possible complication for any move to Madrid.

Events moved quickly afterwards. Agüero completed his transfer to Manchester City before the month was out, and the money did indeed help finance the arrival of Falcao in August. The Argentine’s five years in red and white, from teenage record signing to Europa League winner, are covered in full on his player profile, his place among the club’s greats is set out in the legends section, and the rest of that turbulent summer can be followed through the archive.