“Really, it’s a very beautiful thing for me, seeing me 10 years ago is very emotional,” Aguero said. “During these 10 years I was able to win a lot of trophies and I was able to help the club become one of the most important in the world… It’s something very special.”

City have won five league titles with Aguero and are set to win another. Aguero scored a club record 260 goals for City and was a key player in the team’s growth as a major force in football. Prior to 2012, City had not won the English top tier since 1968.

Aguero, 33, moved to Barcelona last off-season but retired in December due to a heart problem.

The statue joins similar tributes to former Aguero teammates Vincent Kompany and David Silva already set up outside the stadium.

It was sculpted by Philadelphia-based Scottish artist Andy Scott.

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