Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has admitted that his idol as a youngster was Michael Owen, who currently plays for title rivals Manchester United.

The Argentine striker has enjoyed his first season in England, scoring 17 goals in a series of impressive performances.

Manchester United are the Blues' closest rivals for the title this year, with three points separating the two clubs at the top of the league. The former Atletico Madrid man is desperate to claim the Premier League trophy at the end of the season for his club, but that would mean taking it from one of his heroes in Michael Owen.

"One of the players who was my idol when I was a lad was Michael Owen," revealed the 23-year-old.

"He was quite small and had an eye for goal, just like me. When Liverpool were winning trophies, I was looking out for them because Owen was doing well.

"It's ever since he scored against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup finals, although I wasn't too happy at the time. But getting that goal didn't stop me from admiring him."

Aguero moved to the Etihad Stadium from Atletico Madrid in the summer.