Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits Sergio Aguero has been hit hard by the death of Diego Maradona.
City’s all-time leading goalscorer was once married to Maradona’s daughter Giannina and she is the mother of his son Benjamin.
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Argentina forward Aguero also played under Maradona during his time as manager of the national team, including at the 2010 World Cup.
Aguero appeared as a late substitute in City’s Champions League win over Olympiacos on Wednesday.
It was just hours before kick-off in Greece that news broke that Maradona, hero of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup win, had died.
When asked how Aguero was, Guardiola said: “It’s difficult for me to talk about his feelings. The game against Olympiacos was hard.
“Especially for his son, it’s tough. He knew Maradona well and his son, it’s his grandfather. It’s a sad situation for his family, but he’s OK.”
Aguero is working his way back to fitness after knee surgery in the summer and a hamstring injury last month.
He appeared as a late substitute in the Champions League win over Olympiacos in midweek, his first outing in five games.
Guardiola, whose side face Burnley on Saturday, said: “He’s still not in his best condition – his injury was long.
“He needs to be so sharp but we don’t have doubts. He needs a bit of time, training sessions and minutes. He has seven months ahead to show.”
Aguero is now in the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium but Guardiola insists there is no pressure on the player to make a decision over his future.
Guardiola, who agreed a contract extension himself earlier this month, said: “He’s going to give us a decision. He deserves, with the club, fair talks to do what is best for him, for the club, for everyone.”
“I have been lucky to play and manage with incredible football players and he’s one of them. I’ve never found a big star like him.”
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