Man City boss Pep Guardiola criticised for teary Sergio Aguero tribute – ‘Keep him then’

Man City: Departing Aguero has been 'wonderful servant'

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been criticised following the emotional interview he gave on Sunday when paying tribute to Sergio Aguero. Guardiola was in tears when speaking to Sky Sports about the departing striker. Aguero scored twice on his final appearance at the Etihad in a 5-0 win over Everton on the last day of the Premier League season.

Aguero will leave City at the end of his contract this summer after 10 years at the club.

The forward has struggled with injury and fitness concerns in his final campaign at City, starting just seven league matches.

After lifting the Premier League trophy, Guardiola broke down in tears when asked about Aguero.

“We love him so much. He’s a… he’s a very special person for all of us,” Guardiola said, almost overcome by the emotion of his words.

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“He’s so nice, he’s so nice.

“He helped me a lot. We cannot replace him. We cannot. There are many players that grab your heart, David Silva, help this club be what it is.

“He showed his quality in 20 minutes [against Everton].”

However, former City defender Nedum Onuoha has questioned why Guardiola reacted like he did.

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Onuoha, who spent a few months as Aguero’s team-mate in the 2011/12 season, says City should keep the striker if the manager feels like he does.

“Yeah, it’s interesting, this,” Onuoha told ESPN FC.

“I really like Pep Guardiola and I love Sergio Aguero, but the fact that Pep Guardiola’s letting Sergio Aguero go, it’s like ‘you don’t have to be so emotional’.

“If you want him, just keep him. But ultimately they’ve got other plans in play and they’re looking at the long-term nature of the club. It’s a shame.”

ESPN presenter Dan Thomas then said: “Nedum it’s not crocodile tears from Pep, he seemed genuinely emotional.”

Onuoha said Guardiola’s reaction was not “fake” but again wondered why Aguero is leaving.

“I think it would be [genuine], I don’t think he’s fake as such,” he continued.

“But as I say, you look at the bigger picture and it is a strange one.

“Because yes Sergio is leaving but Sergio didn’t ask to leave, like Sergio is essentially being told that he has to leave.

“So keep him, you could maybe keep him, that would be nice, but I don’t know I suppose the time has run his course and City are looking forward and looking to bring in the next young player or the next great striker or the next, maybe the next Aguero.

“So I guess the future for the club is bright if you can let go of someone who has that type of history and legacy with the team.”

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