Pep Guardiola has backed his “lion in the jungle” Sergio Aguero for one last kill in his final Premier League appearance for the club.
Aguero will be given the captain’s armband to lead City on his last outing at the Etihad if fit.
And his manager believes that, even off the back from injury which has kept him out City’s last two league outings, he has the inherent sharpness for one last pounce in front of 10,000 fans.
“The fans in the stadium and around the world will give him his tribute for what he’s done in terms of titles, numbers – which are incredible,” said Guardiola.
“When he’s fit and has continuity he’s a guy like Romario. In five metres he can – like a lion in the jungle – make a step to kill the opponents.
“His biggest quality (is) a unique sense (in front) of goal.
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And he made it clear his presence will be missed when he moves on in the summer.
“First of all, he’s a nice person, funny, humble, he’s a legend. He’s come from Argentina to this country where it’s so difficult to score goals,” he explained.
“And he has done it for many years. You cannot imagine how many more he’d have scored if he’d been fitter than he is.”
Aguero, who along with David Silva and Vincent Kompany will be immortalised in bronze in statue form, scored 182 top-flight goals.
After only returning to training on Thursday, both player and manager will be mindful to keep something back for Porto next week should there be a chance for him to impact the match against Chelsea.
With regard to the rest of the squad, Guardiola said will select as normal.
“We are going to put players out to win the game,” he said.
“We have six days until the Champions League final and if one player gets injured it is unlucky.
“They can get injured today or tomorrow.
“Kyle Walker could not play against Brighton as he got injured, a twist in his ankle, playing with his children.”
Manchester City: Likely XI
(4-2-1-3): Ederson; Walker, Garcia, Laporte, Mendy; Rodri, Fernandinho; De Bruyne; Torres, Jesus, Foden.