Man City star Sergio Aguero has admitted he was inspired to move to England by Man United's Michael Owen.
Aguero admits admiration of United rival when he was at Liverpool
Manchester City star Sergio Aguero has admitted he was inspired to move to England by Manchester United's Michael Owen.
While growing up in Argentina, Aguero kept a keen eye on the Premier League as Owen burst onto the scene with Liverpool.
City's record signing was 10 when he watched Owen score his wonder goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
And although Aguero left home for Spain's Atletico Madrid in 2006, he claims he always wanted to play in England.
"I watched the Premier League on television," he told the
Manchester Evening News. "I prefer it to La Liga and Serie A.
"I loved Michael Owen. I always followed him at Liverpool. That's why I started watching the Premier League.
Different style
"Obviously the style of play here is different to Spanish football but I will adapt as quickly as possible and try to be fully focused during training sessions."
While Owen may have first attracted Aguero to English football, it was compatriots Pablo Zabaleta and Carlos Tevez that helped convince him to make the move to the Premier League.
And having hit eight goals in his first five Premier League games, the 23-year-old has admitted the chance to work with manager Roberto Mancini was also a major factor in his decision to move to the Etihad Stadium.
"I spoke a lot to Pablo Zabaleta and Carlitos and they gave me some insights into the city and the club and in general about things over here," he said.
Experience
"I can learn from Roberto Mancini's experience as a striker. He will be able to help me. Now I hope I can fulfil what he has taught me and show that on the pitch.
"I don't feel any pressure," Aguero added. "I hope I can do the things I've always done from the time I started at Independiente, then at Atletico.
"Now that I am with City I want to keep on in the same manner.
"There is a good squad and Roberto knows how to put the team together. In the meantime, we just follow his instructions out on the pitch."
