The Argentine – City’s all-time record goalscorer – is set to call time on his remarkable career at the Etihad Stadium upon the conclusion the 2020/21 season; another record-breaking campaign for the Club.
On Sunday, the long-awaited return of fans will see 10,000 supporters in attendance at the Etihad to celebrate the final game of the league season, in which City will lift our fifth Premier League trophy, and wave an emotional farewell to Club legend Kun.
While the day will be bittersweet, former City midfielder Horlock says he is delighted Aguero is able to receive the send-off he deserves.
“It’s the end of an era,” Horlock declared, speaking on our We’re Not Really Here live matchday show.
“He’s been the best Premier League striker over the last ten years – not just for the fact he’s scored goals, but he’s scored important goals.
“He’s been an incredible signing – no, better than that. He’s getting a statue and he deserves it!
“It will be a sad day but one the lucky 10,000 can celebrate and remember the moments he’s given this Football Club.
“He’ll be a big miss but unfortunately, all good things come to an end.”
Although Horlock describes the Argentine as ‘irreplaceable’, the man who scored in the pivotal Division Two Play-Off Final at Wembley says he is taking solace from the impact City’s new recruits have had, following the equally poignant departures of heroes Vincent Kompany and David Silva.
“The Club will evolve,” he said. “Aguero has been massive but we had this moment when Kompany left: ‘What do we do now?’ and along came Ruben Dias.
“Same with David Silva: ‘What do we do now?’ and Phil Foden arrived.
“They’re big boots to fill. You can’t replace him but… is there someone who will come in or come through the ranks?”
Echoing the sentiments, fellow former midfielder Jim Whitley also applauded Aguero’s unforgettable impact.
“There will be a lot of fans shedding tears – grown men!” he added.
“It comes now and again where you have to bow down. He is a little genius. The goals he’s scored, the amount of goals, the quickness he’s done it… he’s incredible. A joy to watch.
“We talk about the ‘old guard’. We’ve been lucky enough to see some very good players – there are statues being made of players and we’ve been lucky to see such a wealth of talent at Manchester City.
“I’m glad the fans from back in the day who watched us have been able to see such and appreciate good talent coming through!
“You won’t get another Sergio Aguero – he’s a magic man. The same way you can’t replace David Silva… but you can get someone of a different ilk. Like we did with Ruben Dias (after Kompany’s departure).”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s special season finale, Whitley says the chance to celebrate with fans is just reward for the team’s efforts this season.
“It’s going to be a monumental game,” he stated. “To be able to pick the trophy up and have fans in is massive.
“It’s special. We’ve been in lockdown for so long and to have the fans back in is such a special moment.
“Pep will want to go out with a bang. It’s been a bonkers season! Pep will remember this one more than any others.
“City have had to dig deep, having been at such a low at the beginning of the season to winning the league!
“[As City players] we’d have celebrated hard, winning something like this but they have to hang fire because there’s another trophy to play for!
“City have had to do that continuously after every game. As opposed to us, who would celebrate after every win!
“It’s going to be a memorable game and all the fans are looking forward to it.”
