Manchester City's record goalscorer Sergio Aguero insists he is ready to face a new challenge at the highest level after his departure at the end of this season was confirmed.

The Argentina international, who turns 33 in June, will leave the Premier League champions-elect when his contract expires in the summer.

Aguero has struggled with injuries since having knee surgery in the close season, with a hamstring problem complicating his comeback and then he had to sit out a month after a Covid-19 infection in January.

"In the meantime, it gives me great pleasure to announce that we will be commissioning an artist to create a statue of Sergio to live at the Etihad Stadium alongside the ones under construction for Vincent (Kompany) and David (Silva).

"And we look forward to the opportunity to bid Sergio a fitting farewell at the end of the season."

City are working on plans to mark his departure at the final home game of the against Everton and they are hopeful thousands of supporters will be permitted to attend the Etihad Stadium when lockdown measures are eased further.

That would at least ensure Aguero, the last remaining player of the club's first Premier League title-winning side from 2012, receives some sort of send-off.

Silva left after 10 years of service last summer with his final match played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, and City are still hoping to organise a farewell match for the Spaniard.