Claudio Echeverri reveals chat with 'incredible' Sergio Aguero influenced move to Manchester City - 'He is a legend'

Manchester City youngster Claudio Echeverri has joined up with the club after a loan spell with River Plate following his January 2024 transfer to the Premier League side. He has spoken of an interaction with City great Sergio Aguero, who he described as a "legend". Echeverri will now be available for selection at City after impressing with River Plate and captaining Argentina's Under-20s.

'It is the future' - Guardiola says Man City youngsters ready to lead club next season

Video credit: SNTV

Claudio Echeverri has revealed a conversation with "legend" Sergio Aguero helped convince him to join Manchester City in January 2024.

The 19-year-old midfielder returned to River Plate on loan following his move, and impressed for Argentina at the South American Under-20s Championship earlier this year.

Echeverri is now back at City and could feature in the second half of the season, with Pep Guardiola's side aiming to secure a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Premier League

How to watch Forest v Arsenal on TNT Sports and discovery+

10/09/2025 at 16:42

And the teenager admitted the Aguero connection was a significant one when the prospect of a move to City initially came about.

"I've spoken to [Sergio] Aguero, I knew about it [the relationship between Argentina and Manchester City]. Aguero, in particular, stands out," he said.

"He's a legend here at Manchester City because of everything he achieved and the incredible player he was."

Highlights: Haaland returns to grab winner for City at Spurs

Video credit: TNT Sports

On joining City, Echeverri added: "Football has been my life, and my dream was to play for one of the best teams in Europe. Today I am closer to that dream.

"Manchester City are one of the best teams in the world. Not only do they win trophies, they play the game so beautifully. They are an example to everyone – they show people how to play football the best way.

"My family and I are so proud to be here. My focus now is on working as hard as I can in training to show the manager and his staff I am good enough to be part of this team."

Sergio Aguero schießt Manchester City zum Titel

Image credit: Getty Images

City's director of football, Txiki Begiristain, was full of praise for the club's latest arrival.

"Claudio is one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years," he said. "We knew as soon as we watched him play we wanted him to become a Manchester City player.

"All the natural elements are there - his touch, technique, eye for goal and dribbling ability. Our job now is to take those attributes and shape Claudio into a world-class player.

"We will provide him with everything he needs to become the best he can be. If he works hard, listens to Pep and gives absolutely everything, I see no reason why he cannot become a top player."

Watch as Haaland's excellent second goal is controversially disallowed

Video credit: TNT Sports

Guardiola has confirmed Echeverri will be considered for selection, with City next in action against Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round this weekend.

"He's here soon. He is going to start to train," Guardiola said on Tuesday. "Maybe for the end of the season, maybe for the World Cup and as soon as he arrives he can adapt quick for the future."

Echeverri captained the Argentina team that came second in the South American Under-20s Championship earlier this month, finishing three points behind Brazil.

Watch and stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League football on TNT Sports and discovery+

Football

Xavi and Guardiola linked to shock new job - but there's a huge twist

26/07/2025 at 19:59

Transfers

Isak open to Al Hilal move as Newcastle set €130m price tag - Euro Transfer News

21/07/2025 at 19:09

Thoughts?