The ex-Independiente man joined Roberto Mancini’s side for a club record £35m on Thursday and is set to make his debut in the Dublin Super Cup.
He did not leave without thanking the Spanish club, however, and an interview with the player was published on Aguero’s official website showing his gratitude to Atleti supporters.
”Thank you all. There will be nothing and no-one who can tarnish my experience spent at Atletico”, it reads.
”I leave Atletico in pain. On May 23rd I said I would be leaving. I had five very intense years at the club but I felt that stage had ended.
“I needed a change. I felt I would have betrayed my desire to continue to grow as a player if I remained at Atletico.”
After the public announcement of his desire to leave, Aguero was strongly linked to fierce rivals Real Madrid. The anger of the Vicente Calderon faithful was not helped by his refusal to quell the rumours claiming that a move across the city was imminent and the striker apologised for his actions.
”What happened next was not good for anyone though,” Aguero recognised.
“The circumstances and reports produced were done in a weird way, not the way I would have liked. I think when there is a link as strong as mine with the club and the fans, it stirred so much passion. I knew that my decision not to continue would cause many feelings.
“Anyway, I do not want to argue or add fuel to the fire. We all make mistakes. But I can only take care of mine. I was taught that when you admit a mistake, just ask for an apology. I’m sorry if I hurt any of the fans but I never meant to be disrespectful.”
The Argentine also moved on to affirm that he always had the best interests of Atletico at heart.
“I had the chance to not sign a renewal and be a free agent in 2012,” he added.
“However, I personally decided to renew. Now with my transfer the club get a big sum of money that will help to improve the team, that otherwise they would not have received,.
“I wanted to renew as a way to give back to the club and its fans everything they have given me.”
Finally, Aguero was unequivocal when asked if he made any mistakes during the transfer saga.
”No. I also understand that time heals everything and put things in place. I have to say thanks to the club Atletico Madrid, its employees, my teammates and the fans,” he explained.
“I have given so much and I answered them with dedication and professionalism. Five seasons were very good.
“With 101 goals and 2 titles, I will never forget Atletico. It’s clear that I’d have to say goodbye properly. This is the moment to do so. And I wish my former colleagues, including many friends, all the best for this season.”
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Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero thanks fans after leaving Atletico Madrid
