Julian Alvarez claims that observing fellow countryman Sergio Aguero’s progression at City gave him the motivation to play football in England.

With 260 goals between 2011 and 2021—including the memorable ιnjury time goal that clinched our first Premier League title in 2012—Aguero holds the record for most goals scored by City.

When Aguero scored against QPR that day, Alvarez—who is currently the World Cup champion for Argentina—was just twelve years old and still learning the game in his hometown of Calchin.

Alvarez claims that day will always stick in the memories of all Argentine football fans, even if it occurred on the other side of the planet.

The 24-year-old fell in love with the prоspect of playing professionally in England after witnessing the admiration City supporters have for Aguero.

“I recall that moment clearly since Kun’s goal was a major one for Argentina at the time. In our most recent City Studios piece, he discussed the influence of Argentinians on City and stated, “And to win the Premier League title in the last seconds was huge for City.”

“I recall watching it at home with my family. We were watching it, I believe it was noon in Argentina, and I remember yelling at the TV when he scored!

“Observing all that my fellow Argentines have accomplished here, including managing it in another nation, and realising how much the people here adore you, as well as the fact that we can now view Aguero’s statue at the Etihad Stadium.”

It honours the quantity of goals he scored here, all of the championships, and the acknowledgment he received. When you observe that, you are inspired to try and follow suit.

Argentina and City share a strong relationship because of the numerous players who have had incredibly successful careers there.

During their tenure at the Etihad Stadium, Willy Caballero, Martin Demichelis, Nicolas Otamendi, Carlos Tevez, and Pablo Zabaleta all took home trophies; Zabaleta in particular becoming a cult figure in the process.

Alvarez claims talks with players like Aguero and Otamendi helped him decide that leaving River Plate, one of the biggest teams in Argentine football history, was the right decision. “I was aware of the players present,” he said. “Players who have come through here and made their mark, who have won numerous titles, and who offered me some comfort before they arrived. “I had the opportunity to speak with Kun and Otamendi, who provided me with additional information about Manchester City and the club!” It is truly pleasant to have the fans recognise and have a connection with all of the Argentine players, including ourselves.

However, it is quite pleasant to have such strong support from the people, especially considering that Argentines are from a very far country on a different continent. Alvarez and fellow striker Erling Haaland arrived in Manchester during the summer of 2022.

Alvarez had a crucial chat with fan favourite Zabaleta prior to his inaugural season, which saw him become the only person in history to win the World Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League all in the same season.

Our striker claims he left the conversation well aware that, despite his erratic play, he always has to give it his all for the team when he steps onto the pitch.

“I recall that he [Zabaleta] accompanied us on the preseason tour, and I had the opportunity to share some Argentinian mate and engage in a brief conversation with him,” Alvarez said in reflection.

“He gave me a brief overview of Manchester City and all of his experiences.

Additionally, I saw that he is a wonderful person who genuinely cares about everyone around him.

We are all capable of making mistakes, but what I believe really set him apart was his unwavering effort and dedication. I attempt to do that.

“I always give 100% because it takes commitment and effort beyond making mistakes.”