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Aguero close to joining Barcelona next season: Guardiola

Last updated on: May 24, 2021 18:49 IST

IMAGE: Sergio Aguero is thrown into the air by his Manchester City teammates after playing his last English Premier League match, against Everton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is close to agreeing a deal to join Barcelona after his contract expires at the English Premier League champions, manager Pep Guardiola said.

The 32-year-old scored twice in his final league match for City on Sunday as he helped them celebrate their title success in style with a 5-0 thrashing of Everton.

City's record goalscorer is set to leave as a free agent after the Champions League final against Chelsea on May 29 in Porto.

Guardiola is confident Aguero would enjoy playing at Barcelona, who won three La Liga and two Champions League titles under the Spanish manager.

"Maybe I reveal a secret. Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart -- for Barcelona," Guardiola told the BBC after Sunday's game.

"He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, (Lionel) Messi."

Barcelona finished third in La Liga seven points behind champions Atletico Madrid and five behind Real Madrid. They were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16 by Paris St Germain.

"I'm pretty sure he is going to enjoy," Guardiola added. "And maybe Barcelona are stronger and stronger with him on the pitch."

Suarez to stay at champions Atletico Madrid next season

IMAGE: Luis Suarez ended the season as Atletico's top scorer with 21 goals. Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters

Luis Suarez said he will remain at Atletico Madrid next season after the Uruguay forward helped them to their first league title in seven years.

Atletico piped city rivals Real Madrid to the title on Saturday after Suarez fired them to a 2-1 comeback win at Real Valladolid.

The 34-year-old, who joined Diego Simeone's side on a two-year contract in September after leaving Barcelona, ended the season as Atletico's top scorer with 21 goals.

ESPN has reported his deal included a clause that would have allowed him to leave on a free transfer in the summer.

"Yes, I'm sure (I'll stay)," Suarez told Spanish network Movistar Plus on Sunday during Atletico's title presentation at their Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

"Atletico welcomed me from the minute I arrived ... how they treated me.

"I asked the club if there was room for me on the museum wall to make history at Atletico."

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