Pep Guardiola believes Sergio Aguero is irreplaceable.
The Manchester City boss accepts the club will one day need to replace their record goalscorer but is not sure they will find one to match his brilliance.
Aguero, 31, has netted 244 times for City since joining the club in 2011 but his contract is due to expire at the end of next season.
“Like with Vinny (Kompany), who wanted to be here and then went to Belgium, like David Silva – sometimes you have to take a decision – but in most of the cases the players decide.
“I would like Sergio to decide whether he wants more or it is over.”
Aguero returned after a month out as a late substitute in last Saturday’s victory over Leicester.
He is again likely to be on the bench as City travel to Wolves on Friday night.
As prolific as Aguero is, Guardiola recognises he often takes time to get back up to full speed after a lay-off.
Guardiola said: “Now he is still not ready for 90 minutes. When Raheem Sterling is injured he doesn’t need any time to get fit, or maybe half a day.
“Sergio needs a little bit longer for his physical condition. That is the reality. We will give him as many minutes as possible because we need him for the next few months, and the Champions League, as we need all the players.”