Kun can charm City's fanbase
The sun is rising at Eastlands as "Kun" brings his special talent to Manchester City.
Kun is the nickname of , the Argentine striker who in the last few days has become the latest of City's South American signings - and potentially the best.
's capture announced the arrival of the club amongst the super-rich, while the capture of had the added cachet of annoying Manchester United.
But Aguero looks more like being a case of the right player arriving at the right time for the right reasons. His signing is both a present to the club for having qualified for the Champions League, and a declaration of intent to make an impact in the competition.
Aguero won two Fifa Under-20 World Cup titles with Argentina. Image: Getty
The origin of "Kun" lies, apparently, in a Japanese cartoon character that he liked as a child. The origins of Aguero have much more to do with the tradition of South American football - a working class kid from the urban sprawl who has that low centre of gravity associated with so many of the continent's top players and who honed his skill playing in the street and the park
The obvious similarity is with , the great Brazilian striker of the 1990s. It is a comparison that lands me in trouble when I use it on Brazilian TV - they are protective of their idols - but making it puts me in good company.
I recall , the great Argentine coach who was in charge of Aguero for a brief spell during the player's early years with Independiente, was the first to make the comparison. Subsequently, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, a former team-mate of Romario's, has also pointed out the similarity.
Like the Brazilian, Aguero has that stocky build, a burst of acceleration and the capacity to work magic in the restricted spaces of the penalty area.
He also combines well with other players. In particular, he has an excellent on-field relationship with Lionel Messi, one forged when they roomed together during the 2005 World Youth Cup in the Netherlands.
This is mere speculation on my part but it is conceivable that Aguero might have been in Barcelona's sights had they not been pursuing the superb Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez. Aguero would certainly be at home at Barca, which speaks volumes for the calibre of player City have acquired.
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But if he is so extraordinarily talented, how come that, at the age of 23, he is not already an even bigger name? It is a fair question and one he seems ready to answer.
Aguero can be seen as something of a mirror image of , the Inter Milan centre forward who made such an impact on the Champions League two seasons ago.
Diego was in the shadow of his younger brother Gabriel, the centre-back currently with Barcelona, as Gabriel was seen as by far the more talented of the two.
No-one was telling the teenage Diego that he was a phenomenon but he kept quietly working at his game until the rewards came.
Aguero, on the other hand, was being ever since he showed he could cope with the Argentine first division at the age of 15. There was a local push - unsuccessful - to get him into the Argentina squad for the 2006 World Cup, when he had just turned 18.
Instead, his debut for the national side came just afterwards as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, and included a delightful piece of skill in the penalty area that set up a great chance for Federico Insua, who blasted the ball over the bar.
Perhaps some of Aguero's next years were if not wasted then not used to their full professional potential. It was a time of change, from adolescent to man, from Argentina to Spain, from promise to reality.
It is not always an easy path but Aguero, who along the way, has come out of it seemingly fully focused on being as good as he can be.
Hence the urge to leave Atletico Madrid and move to a club with Champions League ambitions. Hence the instant brushing aside of any "lifestyle" issues involved in the move to Manchester.
He is coming across as a hungry player. City fans should be thrilled with his signing.
Back in Argentina, Independiente are happy enough with the move because they get a little chunk of the transfer fee.
His sale to Atletico Madrid was a significant moment for Independiente, as the influx of funds allowed them to rebuild their stadium.
And now it is Manchester City supporters who are lucky enough to be able to watch him in their home ground.
Comment number 1.
At 29th Jul 2011, Reinasbaldhead wrote:This will hurt Tevez if he has to stay another 6 months. Aguero keeps Tevez out of the Argentine team and will now do the same at City.
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Comment number 2.
At 29th Jul 2011, Celebrity wrote:Just like Robinho, then?
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Comment number 3.
At 29th Jul 2011, David Rolls wrote:How many goals has Tevez scored in the last 2 years? Loads !!!
How good was Tevez's work rate in the last 2 years? Amazing (for a striker) !!!
Tevez is a much better player than Sergio, and as a Chelsea fan i hope we sign him - maybe his estranged partner likes London :)
On a another issue, can we please sign some players next month - by my estimation we need at least 1 centre defender, a holding midefielder, and a creative midfielder (not Modric he is rubbish) !!!
M'Vila & Hamsik for the midfielder roles, defender maybe sihn TV from Arsenal as then can't keep any of their players any more :)
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Comment number 4.
At 29th Jul 2011, milkybarnick wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 5.
At 29th Jul 2011, The_True_Atreides wrote:As a Chelsea fan, pretty jealous right now. Well done City, hope he will be a great - but not too great ;) signing for them.
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Comment number 6.
At 29th Jul 2011, Weallfollowunited wrote:Looks like he could be a great player for City. The talent is definately there, the only question that really remains is how he settles in England. Tevez for instance was always chasing round, never gave defenders any time and was always ready to take being constantly hacked by defenders; his game suits the Premier League. Time will tell if Aguero will be able to do the same, it's not like La Liga where the slightest contact earns you a free-kick.. He could have the same impact that Torres had, he could be another Morientes.
Time will tell I guess.
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Comment number 7.
At 29th Jul 2011, Brian Renshaw wrote:As the Chelsea fan says, a great signing by Man City who managed last year without Aguero's talents to finish on the same number of points as Chelsea.
This year City are even stronger and are rightly 3rd favourites to take the title.
United are going to have their hands full this year as I see City taking them all the way.
Last year all the trophies bar the Champs League ended up in Manchester and Chelsea are going to have to go some to prevent that happening again
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Comment number 8.
At 29th Jul 2011, Swollennoodle wrote:As a United fan, although it pains me to admit, City have signed a truly great player in Aguero. He has bags of potential and is still young. In order to fulfil this potential however Mancini will have to cast of the defensive restraints he puts his team in every time they face good opposition.
As for where this leaves Tevez, I don't see him going anywhere. Which club want him and can afford him? I don't see any. But if he does stay, Tevez and Aguero would be some partnership, surely. Should make for an interesting season though.
All I can say is I hope United can trump City and sign Sneijder, or at least one central midfielder of quality, as we are desperately lacking.
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Comment number 9.
At 29th Jul 2011, Charlie wrote:Another final piece in the Citeh jigsaw? More like another wobbly addition to their house of cards. The Berties will go all giddy over spending more money in an attempt to gain parity with their 'don't have to be noisy, look at the trophies' neighbours. Their record with strikers isn't exactly brilliant; Robinho, Dzeko etc etc. And even Carlos Kickaball eventually saw the light when he realised what he had let himself into. Everything changes but it all stays the same for Mancini's Circus of Clowns!
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Comment number 10.
At 29th Jul 2011, JamTay1 wrote:There is a myth in England that you have to be 7 foot tall knuckle dragging oaf with a forehead that keeps the rain off your feet to play in the Premier League (Ryan Shawcross!). The truth is that despite the increased physicality (violence) and the belief of the vast majority of British managers that set pieces, and the long ball is the way to play (Allardyce, Pulis, Mc Leish, Warnock, Mc Carthy etc) players with skill and technique can prosper (Zola, Bergkamp, Pires etc).
What strikes me most about Kun Aguero is his acceleration over 5 yards. I think City have purchased an absolute gem of a player who will take their side onto another level.
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Comment number 11.
At 29th Jul 2011, Reinasbaldhead wrote:@Jamtay - unfair on Warnock after his QPR played fantastic 'football' last season however I do agree that too many kids in this country have been knocked back in the past for being too small
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Comment number 12.
At 29th Jul 2011, DaBomb wrote:I'll be the first to say it....
Can he hack a cold, rainy night at Stoke with gale force winds???
;)
now no-one else can come out with this nonsense
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Comment number 13.
At 29th Jul 2011, Brian Renshaw wrote:The problem with intelligent football threads is that they are often invaded by circus chimps as in the case of Charlie (Caroli?) in 9 above.
Thankfully the United supporter in posting 8 above nullifies the idiotic ramblings of Charlie who chimps everywhere would disown.
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Comment number 14.
At 29th Jul 2011, Brian Renshaw wrote:I think Aguero could hack a cold rainy night at Stoke with Gale force winds!
Are there any other types of night in Stoke? LOL
Sunny May afternoons in Wembley may be more to his liking
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Comment number 15.
At 29th Jul 2011, originalfinchy wrote:What a great nickname. Can't wait to hear the chants.
BTW ´óÏó´«Ã½ - Eastlands? Isn't it Etihad Stadium.
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Comment number 16.
At 29th Jul 2011, Bertie Button wrote:Great write up Tim.
#2 compares Aguero to Robhinio wich is a garbage statement. CITY bought Robhinio for marketing purposes, we have money, we are here. (tell me? How many Brazilians have been successful in the Premiership? How may Argentine players have been successful? Tevez, Ardiles, Zabaletta)
#9 Grow Up- UTD have just spent nearly 70 Million on a bigger set of clowns. Dzeko and Balotelli will play a major role this year. ( If I remember Balotelli ran Vidic and Ferdy all over the park in a certain FA Cup semi-Final? Ferdy getting so upset at the end he wanted to wrestle with Super Mario)
Aguero will make CITY better. Be worried Salford, be very worried.
Tim ( what are your thoughts on my remark relating to the success of Argentine players in the Premiership versus Braxilians? Is it a mentality mindset?)
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Comment number 17.
At 29th Jul 2011, Brian Renshaw wrote:Yeah, his nickname could well be a problem especially if it is extended
Mind you not far away in Stretford at the Theatre of Injunctions, you cvan find a large group of them LOL
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Comment number 18.
At 29th Jul 2011, ShepZ wrote:"It is not always an easy path but Aguero, who married Diego Maradona's daughter along the way, has come out of it seemingly fully focused on being as good as he can be. Hence the urge to leave Atletico Madrid and move to a club with Champions League ambitions. Hence the instant brushing aside of any "lifestyle" issues involved in the move to Manchester"
- I'm sure I could brush aside any lifestyle issues if I was picking up a 200k cheque every Friday for five years...
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Comment number 19.
At 29th Jul 2011, jus9ball wrote:City are my tip for the title following this signing. Absolute bargain price too.
LFC fan btw
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Comment number 20.
At 29th Jul 2011, Grendel wrote:I'm sure you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about Shepzt. The idea that you would change your entire life because of your salary just highlights your ignorance and stupidity. Perhaps you worship money, and would be happy just to sit at home looking at your bank balance. You could leave a nice, rich corpse at the end of a boring, wasted life.
I hear these sort of stupid statements all the time;
'If I had the chance to play for x team, I'd play for free'. Irrelevant.
'Why is he choosing team y instead of my team? Mercenary.' No. You are imposing ridiculous, arbitrary restrictions on someone else's life.
Footballer players aren't politicians. Any money they make is given to them freely. They aren't sneaking into your house and taking it. They entertain you, and you choose to pay for it. If you don't like it, stop paying for it.
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Comment number 21.
At 29th Jul 2011, jellywobble wrote:@15 original finchy said "What a great nickname. Can't wait to hear the chants"
Here's one for you, away to United: "You had Keano, now we've got Kun-o, Kun-o, Kun-o" LOL
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Comment number 22.
At 29th Jul 2011, jellywobble wrote:Seriously though, echo #5, as a Chelsea fan am also a bit miffed we didn't get him - rumours had been doing the rounds for a while that we were scouting him, so dunno what happened there? Very fast, still young and coming into his prime, technically brilliant - am sure he could feed off Silva's passing and link up with Tevez if he does stick around. Champs League contenders for sure. As for him and his family settling in - call me a cynic but I'm sure 200k a week plus bonuses etc will help?!
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Comment number 23.
At 29th Jul 2011, thoughtfulphil wrote:This is a massive signing for City; but I can't help but feel there is still some major work needed at Eastlands in order for them to convince me they will be an elite team in Europe next season. As much as I think it is bad for English football, inevitably Tevez is leaving and Aguero is therefore a replacement (of sorts) and you could argue that this signing hasn't really improved City yet. The same problems will remain (i.e. will Balotelli grow up? Will Mancini put aside issues with Craig Bellamy? Will Dzeko shrug off his huge price tag burden? Will Adebayor shut up and leave?). I think another quality forward is needed as well as some creativity/adeptness in midfield in order for City to make a push for some serious silverware in 2011/12.
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Comment number 24.
At 29th Jul 2011, Deeeemarles wrote:I think Kun will regret not trying to get a move to Aston Villa. Him and Bent would form a great partnership.
At citeh, it'll be interesting to see how Mancini marries his natural defenciveness with the addition of Kun, given that unlike tevez he isn't the greatest at tracking back, as is ballotelli.
In the interests of 'football' i hope we see some special moments from kun, just as we did from torres when he joined the pool.
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Comment number 25.
At 29th Jul 2011, werepig46 wrote:Re No 20 Politicians are just freebie feeders at the silver trough of entitlement. They are not worth discussing on any forum other than crimestop
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Comment number 26.
At 29th Jul 2011, Reinasbaldhead wrote:I still think City are missing a quality middle of the park playmaker to be champions
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Comment number 27.
At 29th Jul 2011, jonfarrugia wrote:@7
all the trophies ended up in Manchester??
Since when is Birmingham in Manchester??
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Comment number 28.
At 29th Jul 2011, aka_bluepeter wrote:If he can get close to the goal scoring talent of Romario then Tevez will quickly become a distant memory and he will eclipse MU's impressive Little Pea.
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Comment number 29.
At 29th Jul 2011, PenutTownFan95 wrote:Some of these comments make me laugh. The ridiculous ones, such as #9.
Aguero i think will take the 'best league in the world' in his stride. Dzeko has had 6 months to settle and apparently Aguero is great alongside a target man.. Tevez + Super Mario in the strike options too, oh what a headache Mancini will have :/
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Comment number 30.
At 29th Jul 2011, Milesplattingred wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 31.
At 29th Jul 2011, PGB Addick wrote:Wasn't Dzeko a star before he joined City. Will they just sign all of the worlds striker until they find one that suits their style......whatever that is. a bigger question would probably be......are Man City even representative of Manchester anymore, or a subsidiary of Oil inc.
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Comment number 32.
At 29th Jul 2011, TopClassCitizen - Its Hart-y Time wrote:@15
Yes it is the Etihad Stadium, but it is still in the district of Eastlands, hence why some fans call it such. The official name was obviously City of Manchester Stadium, but people use Eastlands as a nickname. I don't think there is a problem with calling it that name. Some people call Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, so I think a stadium can have more than one name.
On the signing of Sergio Aguero, I am delighted with it. I think he will be a great striker and will score of plenty of goals. I would be happy with this squad for the start of the season. I think the Community Shield will tell us a lot about how the season will pan out.
As a City fan, I'm not being greedy, all I want is to finish in the Top 4 and get past the group stages of the Champion's League. Maybe have an FA Cup run. I'm personally not thinking about the title this season.
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Comment number 33.
At 29th Jul 2011, magicroundaboutcentral wrote:@30 Steven... You strike me as the sort of muppet that could have an argument with him self...no one is giving it the "big I am" and chewing gum neck? you my friend neanderthal! Kun is a great addition and looking forward to the season start!
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Comment number 34.
At 29th Jul 2011, Bertie Button wrote:The Pea is concussed. Latest updates indicate the "Pea" thinks he his "Wayne Rooney" and is now demanding 200K a week and a hair transplant.
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Comment number 35.
At 29th Jul 2011, Drooper_ wrote:The Japanese cartoon was "Kum Kum" (come on, admit it, you knew) Tim, which my wife has never heard of, just like another Japanese animated import, "Marine Boy", which I used to watch early on Saturday mornings on the ´óÏó´«Ã½. So why is he called "Kun" and not "Kum Kum" then? I don't know, but coincidentally "Kun" is an affectionate address for children in Japanese just like a "y" added to English names suggests affection, e.g. as in "Joey" Barton! Maybe from now on we should be saying "Mario-kun".
Was on the City website yesterday and one supporter was saying how every transfer window feels like Christmas. That's how I feel too. We've got 2 quality players for virtually every position, though Tevez will be a loss. I think we've almost reached the point where we're only looking at tinkering. With the magnificent looking new Academy in the offing, good young players like Vladi Weiss coming through I'm hoping is a sign of us being able to rely more on that source.
Possibly could do with one more winger, a pass and go midfielder like Modric + playmaker like Sneijder, and another striker if/when Tevez goes. Now that really is getting greedy! But as that supporter was saying, "Every window is Christmas." Am licking my lips!
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Comment number 36.
At 29th Jul 2011, Brian Renshaw wrote:Love Wookiecookie's comment on 24 above - "Kun will regret not getting a move to Aston Villa " Priceless, are you on that TV proramme on Monday nights at 9PM - Show me the Funny. If not you should be. I wouldn't regret not getting a move to Aston Villa and I don't play football.
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Comment number 37.
At 29th Jul 2011, The String wrote:#26 Reinasbaldhead
Playmaker? Yeah that Silva is a shocking excuse for anything to do with being a midfield playmaker, i.e. somebody who can pick a pass and thread the ball through the eye of a needle.
Its a replacement for him when he is unavailable that is essential.
Still all these individuals will never play as a team. It just won't happen.
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Comment number 38.
At 29th Jul 2011, magicroundaboutcentral wrote:@37 - Must agree Silva is probably the worst player I have ever seen :-p
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Comment number 39.
At 29th Jul 2011, RobbieSavagesFlowingLocks wrote:A fantastic signing, and all for only £3m more than we paid for Andy Carroll. I bet Abramovich is kicking himself though - if only he'd shown a bit of patience back in January he could have bought a fit and hungry Aguero for less than the confidence challenged Torres. I have no doubt that Fernando will come good, but there's no doubt City have got a better deal.
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Comment number 40.
At 29th Jul 2011, Bertie Button wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 41.
At 29th Jul 2011, Reinasbaldhead wrote:@37 - Silva doesn't play CM and is far to inconsistent, for me he is more a flair player than playmaker
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Comment number 42.
At 29th Jul 2011, Morphius Bane wrote:I'm a City fan, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit giddy over this signing (and who wouldn't be?). Have to say, I think a lot of the good will from supporters of other teams was unexpected and really appreciated. Hopefully he'll produce football we can all enjoy next season (yep, even I had to appreciate Rooneys over head kick). I don't think you have to support a players team to want them to do well. Look at Torres. Chelsea are going to be one of Citys main rivals, but I still want him to come good. I want to see him tearing Vidic to shreds again ;)
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Comment number 43.
At 29th Jul 2011, REFormas wrote:a pity the come out of Kun Agüero´s Athletico Madrid. We´ll miss him.
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Comment number 44.
At 29th Jul 2011, 1878onwards wrote:In view of the noisy neighbours poor record in retaining some players they have bought these last few years..is it worth this bloke unpacking his suitcase?
The mercenries persuaded to ply their trade at the newly named United stadium do not have a good record of staying too long,indeed they tend to make a few noises a few months into their time there.
Will this bloke be any different?
With Tevez on his way out,his 20+ goals per season have to be replaced and citeh could struggle if this latest merc does'nt work out.
In the meantime..Liverpool will improve yet again under Dalgleish and the new manager at Chelsea will give the place a new impetus. And my beloved Utd will be in the mix also.
So...a 3 horse race then?
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Comment number 45.
At 29th Jul 2011, RogerPenna wrote:a friday column by Tim... and no ´óÏó´«Ã½ World Football Phone In (or maybe no podcast only?) last week. Is the ´óÏó´«Ã½ changing its programming or was it only a coincidence?
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Comment number 46.
At 29th Jul 2011, Brian Renshaw wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 47.
At 29th Jul 2011, AnalMcAnal wrote:You never know with foreign players whether they'll adjust to the style of football and the English way of life off but my money is on Aguero being a success but it will be interesting to see.
He seems to be in a similar mould to Tevez, Rooney and Suarez - short, stocky and pacy. That seems to be a good recipe these days.
Having said that, those 3 all have hugely impressive work rates and i've not seen enough of Aguero to know whether thats the case or not.
On another note, Is it just Man City's players that are mercenaries? Do Wayne Rooney and the other united players play on a pro-bono basis?
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Comment number 48.
At 29th Jul 2011, united_kaz wrote:united fan
brilliant signing for city, the guy has been scoring since the age of 16! really wanted him at united and for the money thats being thrown around its good business, only negative i can think of (come on u knew it was coming :-p) is that if tevez stays i cant see totally harmony at city with them trying to get enough games for all the 4 main strikers
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Comment number 49.
At 29th Jul 2011, Aarfy_Aardvark - bring back 606 wrote:@35 - Actually 'kun' is slightly more routine and less affectionate - its mainly used to address boys and junior coworkers. Its actually more respectful and authoritative than anything else. The suffix 'chan' can be more aptly translated as '-y' or 'ie'.
The anime was called wanpaku omukashi kumu kumu" (The prehistoric adventures of Kum Kum.) Unless your wife is in her late thirties I doubt she knows it. It came out in the mid 70's.
Argentinian footballers however are always blessed with curious nicknames. Former Inter and River Plate striker Julio Cruz was dubbed 'El Jardinero' (The Gardener) because he worked part-time as a groundsman before he became professional.
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Comment number 50.
At 29th Jul 2011, Drooper_ wrote:#44, there must be a name to that psychology where we defend our insecurity by labelling a threat with the condition that actually afflicts ourselves.
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Comment number 51.
At 29th Jul 2011, Mancgogo wrote:The reason no-one else has tried to buy him is because he has been on the decline for the last 2 years. Yes, he is still young but he is lacking true class. Comparing him to Romario is ridiculous and embarrasing really, this guy is no where near as good a finisher and Romario. I hope Tevez goes because this will weaken City, Aguero had a good EUROPA record but in the Champs League he will be bossed all over the place. It showed in the games he played against the top half of La Liga last year..apart from age on his side, this is alot of money for not that much. Another Champ Manager buy from City...all money, no class
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Comment number 52.
At 29th Jul 2011, Bertie Button wrote:44.At 15:49 29th Jul 2011, 1878onwards wrote = You my friend are a tactical genius.
Now let's review some of your high-brow intelect.
Adebayor - signed by Hughes
Given - signed by Hughes
Robhinio - signed by Hughes
Bridge - signed by Hughes
Santa Cruz- signed by Hughes
Do we see a pattern here?
Mancini came in and shaped his squad around the players he wanted. When Mike Phelan takes over from Sir Red Nose then he may also decide not to keep certain players. Perhaps players that Fergie overpaid for: "Ashley Young, Phil Jones, Bebe, Overten, Carrick".
Dzeko will come good and Balotelli is a great talent. (I love the fact he got Ferdy all emotional in the semi-final). UTD fans talk about CITY having 10 forwards yet the current Utd squad contains 6 wide men. (Giggs, Valencia, Nanni, Ashley Young, Park)
Dont woryy about CITY, we will be fine.
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Comment number 53.
At 29th Jul 2011, Drooper_ wrote:#52, that's right Stepford. Let's be grateful for the advice.
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Comment number 54.
At 29th Jul 2011, united_kaz wrote:@52 i like how u left out boateng and korolov, 2 big money signings, one gone, another on the way and 1 year, who were they signed by?
also in the same post u call the united signings overpriced(2 of them not evan played a competitative game yet for us btw) but yet despite dzeko having 6 months at city he will come good? nice balance there
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Comment number 55.
At 29th Jul 2011, Cameron wrote:What a great signing he is going to rip up the prem next year
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Comment number 56.
At 29th Jul 2011, Drooper_ wrote:Thank you for that Aarfy Aardvark. My Japanese still has a long way to go!
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Comment number 57.
At 29th Jul 2011, Milesplattingred wrote:United Kaz @54
You took the words right out of my mouth mate
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Comment number 58.
At 29th Jul 2011, joao ddm wrote:I think Aguero is a lesser version than Tevez
Tevez in my opinion was the player of the year 2003, he was unplayable between 2002-2005, when he went to Europe he wasn't as quick and agile, now he is slower but still spectaculare.. Europe didin't see his best days
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Comment number 59.
At 29th Jul 2011, Nabi wrote:Looking forward to the season. Its gonna be real interesting. and not because of the players that Man City bought but also Liverpool, Man Utd, (has totenham bought any1 lately) and hopefully Chelsea cuz im a Chelsea fan. Luka Modric is not garbage according to some guy all the way at the top. if he signs for Chelsea and plays alongside torres i think good will come from it. and goals.
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Comment number 60.
At 29th Jul 2011, 1878onwards wrote:Stepford Sheep@52.
You call me a tactical genius..then you predict Phelan will take over from SAF. Wow..do know that for a fact..or are you being a tactical genius?
Who cares who bought whom. They have all entered the door marked council house and some could'nt bear the shame and wanted out ASP. That is one of the differences between our clubs. We have recently said farewell to two of the class of '92 after great service to our cause..Rio is approaching his 10yr mark and even Rooney sees 7yrs on the horizon. And citeh's longest serving player?
Last season Tevez gained a vast amount of points for your club,so this new bloke has a lot to live up to. If he fails..your lot will struggle to remain top 3 (or 6).
No pressure then.
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Comment number 61.
At 29th Jul 2011, livingmercerway wrote:Charlie # 9
I can feel your fear: every word ("Citeh" - please, as if you know something!) and every sniping phrase reveals it.
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Comment number 62.
At 29th Jul 2011, livingmercerway wrote:#50 Drooper
Solipsism -United fans suffer profoundly from this condition; believing that they alone truly exist, they project all their fantasies and fears onto others in an attempt to feed and define their own self absorption.
It's impossible to enjoy a rational argument with them and futile to try.
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Comment number 63.
At 29th Jul 2011, donga007 wrote:Big fan of your articles. However, I have to say I was somehow disappointed there wasn't a full article on Venezuela's participation in the past Copa America. You did however write on coach Marakarian's achievement to return Peru to a competitive level in Conmebol and another great one on how Professor Tabarez has managed to wake up the football giant that Uruguay is.
I guarantee you'll be able to find plenty of interesting subjects on Venezuela's football history and current players. Cultural change need so that football has made its way in a Baseball country, especially in the southern states. How the reconstruction of the national side was started by an Argentinian coach. How the modest achievements of clubs like Caracas, Tachira, and Deportivo Petare in the Libertadores Cup have had an influence over the national side. Just the experiment of Deportivo Petare as a social and sport project is a unique subject by itself! (Petare being the single biggest slum in Latin America)
I just feel there's not much depth given to the topic and not enough people talking about how this past achievement was part of a process 15 years in the making.
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Comment number 64.
At 29th Jul 2011, Saints_on_the_rise wrote:@ 4 and 17.
It's pronounced "Kune" as in tune or spoon. Not "Kun" as is fun or sun. But hey, why let a little knowledge get in the way of a cheap gag.
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Comment number 65.
At 29th Jul 2011, BatiBati9 wrote:He is more talented than Robinho and Tevez. He will settle in England fine, his wife speaks English and I believe he will put more of an effort than Tevez did to adapt himself in English culture. A great buy for City, Chino Silva and Kun will work perfectly with each other.
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Comment number 66.
At 29th Jul 2011, Kamana wrote:Great signing for City. This lad will score loads of goals for City. £35M or whatever was spent on him will look a bargain.
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Comment number 67.
At 29th Jul 2011, RKM wrote:stepford sheep,
you say utd have spent 70m on a bunch of clowns, what about the mario ridiculous backheel balotelli or gael can't defend for a top 4 team clichy.
we have signed one of the best wingers in the league ( the most assists in the league for a winger) and one of the best young center backs in the country and potential england captain and future number 1 gk for spain.
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Comment number 68.
At 29th Jul 2011, thefrogstar wrote:As a neutral, I hope he's able to settle (with his family) at Man City. He could be a great addition to the PL, like Torres was when he arrived.
I also wonder how Maradona feels about his daughter and grandchild moving to live in England!
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Comment number 69.
At 29th Jul 2011, TheThirdMan wrote:Very good player, and can easily show that he is well worth the money paid if he manages to settle in the area. Argentine's have a horrible habit of not being able to settle in England.
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Comment number 70.
At 29th Jul 2011, Terry wrote:Out of topic I know but since the ´óÏó´«Ã½ seems to ignore the U20 as well. England just finished their first match in the U20 WC and they drew with North Korea 0-0.
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Comment number 71.
At 29th Jul 2011, Someone-who-talks-sense wrote:To the united fans who poke fun at Dzekos poor start at city and say the only players city can sign are naff ... remember Veron, Kleberson, Djemba-Djemba, Bebe (and many more besides) ... even players like Evra, Nani and Anderson took a while to catch on!
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Comment number 72.
At 30th Jul 2011, Grobbelaarsrattail wrote:Great buy!! one of the signings of the summer. Think city have got a player with a lot of potential and a good attitude. There will be lots of comparisons to him and torres' first season and if he does half as well as torres he will be a success!
Really think the guy has said all the right things and from what i have seen he can certainly produce the goods!! works really well in tight spaces and is lightning quick!
Well done city, and that from a pool fan who thinks we have spent far too much on average players. I hope i am proven wrong though!
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Comment number 73.
At 30th Jul 2011, steviemacinboy wrote:I consider myself to be a bit of a football statto. i watch football of all sorts, but for some bizarre reason my viewing of aguerro has been limited. athletico madrid games just dont seem to have made my tv for some reason. however, what i have seen is good. and i do take the word of your tim vickerys and graham hunters as gospel, and based on that aguerro is potentially very good. i personally have man city on for the league this year, before aguerro signed, so hopefully he does the business. as a football fan tho im just looking forward to him, david silva, yaya toure and some other top quality signings lining up. all the best kun !!!
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Comment number 74.
At 30th Jul 2011, Crow4England wrote:Slightly jealous about this signing.
Aguero is technicly a great player and his attitude appears to be second to none. balotelli could definitely learn something from kun.
its a stella signing for the premier league. How many goals can he get for city this season? Will he take over the penalty taking duties now that tevez is off?
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Comment number 75.
At 30th Jul 2011, Crow4England wrote:city now need to buy another world class centre back to partner kompany.
If they were to do that they'd be SERIOUS challengers to man utd. at the moment i just still don't see them matching united - even with aguero.
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Comment number 76.
At 30th Jul 2011, yakubusdiet wrote:Aguero is a terrific player, but City probably should have gone the whole hog and bought Diego Forlan to ensure that their existing partnership continues.
Forlan has had this amazing understanding for his club with Aguero and country with Luis Suarez, and I've never seen anything like it. The short, first-time passing movements and anticipation are things it takes several seasons to develop, and Forlan and Aguero already have it.
I worry about whom City will look to combine Aguero with. Dzeko and Balotelli both come in that "lumbering striker who struggles to make space" category - latter day Joe Royles. And the midfield - rather like Uruguay - has several large destroyers (De Jong + Toure + Barry = Perez + Gargano + Eguren) while the little left footed genius drifts in and out of games (David Silva = Lodeiro).
When you have a midfield like that, you need two highly mobile, technically-accomplished quick strikers. Aguero can be City's Luis Suarez, but where is their Diego Forlan? There are probably only a handful of attacking midfield/second striker players with whom Aguero could be combined - Forlan, Messi, Sneijder are the only ones I can think of. And City haven't got one.
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Comment number 77.
At 30th Jul 2011, hunk4hire wrote:I don't really care whom City sign, as long as they don't sell that head case, Balotelli. He has the potential to cause turmoil in the entire team. Dzeko will soon be sent out on loan to Wolves, Bolton or Stoke. Aguero can't do better than Tevez, either in terms of work rate or goals.
City for the title?
No, very mediocre start to the season without Tevez and Mancini gone before Christmas.
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Comment number 78.
At 30th Jul 2011, force01 wrote:Balotelli is probably the most pampered player on the planet. If i were Mancini, I would have kicked him out of the team already for his indiscretions.
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Comment number 79.
At 30th Jul 2011, Selecao wrote:I used to be skeptical of Aguero but I see now that he is an undeniable talent. He reminds me a lot of Suarez really, composed in the box with mesmerizing bursts of pace and quick turning. But no matter how good he is, I don't think he can fill the hole that will inevitably be left by Tevez.
Let me evaluate, City's strikers at the moment are Balotelli, Dzeko, Tevez, Adebayor and Cruz. The last two are on loan and will most likely be sold, the third will inevitably leave. So that leaves the newly arrived Aguero and the first two who aren't exactly reliable. Balotelli's performance seems to be dictated by his mood which is mercurial at best. Dzeko seems slow, lumberish and generally ill suited to playing for Man City.
If Aguero arrives he'll have to expect more from his midfield then from his fellow strikers. Just like Tevez before him but he doesn't have Tevez's experience or physical presence. So it'll be interesting seeing how he adapts. Either way, Man City may need another striker and this time not one with a good name but one that can actually perform good.
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Comment number 80.
At 30th Jul 2011, Will_Piper wrote:Aguero is a superb player with unquestionable ability and will be a great acquisition for Manchester City.
He has been bought to replace Carlos Tevez and really City couldn't have found a player more like the argentine. Both Aguero and Tevez have a strong physique, are both quick, both good on the ball, are both good finishers and can both make something out of nothing.
The Eastlands faithful will be hoping that Kun hits the ground running, if he does City may well find themselves challenging for top spot right from the off. But with Tevez hoping to move back to South America, who will partner Aguero?
Edin Dezeko struggled to adjust to the Premier League after his move from Wolfsburg in January. Mario Balotelli has fantastic potential but his attitude seems to dictate how he plays. Emmanuel Adebayor appears unwanted by Mancini and Craig Bellamy is surplus to requirements. So that leaves the midfield to support Aguero in attack, but will that be enough?
Any thoughts Tim?
Follow me on Twitter @Will_Piper
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Comment number 81.
At 30th Jul 2011, SteveSmith99 wrote:City and over-spending, as usual. Small clubs trying to buy success. The real movements are in the loan market,
When will Citeh, and Chelski learn. Football philosophy can't be bought, neither can history. As a Gooner, I have more respect for Spurs than those 2 combined.
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Comment number 82.
At 30th Jul 2011, Aah tea wrote:@7 Not to mention Porto and Barcelona .... no Manc success there, eh boys?
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Comment number 83.
At 30th Jul 2011, Krish-The-Dude_CFC wrote:this could well be citehs next season line up:
-------------------Hart-----------------------
Richards------Toure-----Kompany--------Clichy
--------------De jong----Toure----------------
Johnson---------------Balotelli------------Silva
------------------AGUERO--------------------
My city predictions:
Champions League - QF
Premier league - 3rd
FA cup - SF
Carling Cup - QF
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Comment number 84.
At 30th Jul 2011, Drooper_ wrote:#81, Steve Smith, whenever there's a game from the Emirates on tv, you see those FA Cups proudly displayed on the advertising boards all around the ground, including the ones from the 1930s.....You clearly can buy history.
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Comment number 85.
At 30th Jul 2011, Tillett wrote:Aguero will bring good things to city, that's for sure due to his wide range of talents. This has inevitebely pushed the door open for Tevez to leave as Aguero will start over Tevez every time, except for injuries, suspensions & possibly form. Aguero will be a good addition to the squad but will need time to gel so don't expect miracles from him just yet. I believe Aguero will have a Suarez-type impact on the Premier League, bringing cheeky skills into the rough & tumble of the League.
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Comment number 86.
At 30th Jul 2011, Krish-The-Dude_CFC wrote:AGUERO, Suarez and Torres to rip Vidic apart = 2/1
Oh dear, Vidic is going to have a heck of a time next season with those 3 tormenting him!
Go Chelsea!!!
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Comment number 87.
At 30th Jul 2011, topnote wrote:All this user's posts have been removed.Why?
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Comment number 88.
At 30th Jul 2011, El Presidente wrote:I couldn't understand a word Forlán was saying, is there anyway you can upload a transcript?
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Comment number 89.
At 31st Jul 2011, Crow4England wrote:I think Aguero has the ability to play as a lone striker. I think city will line up something like this next season....
----------Hart------------
Richards--Kompany--Lescott--Clichy
---------de jong----barry-------
ballotelli------y toure----silva------
-------Aguero-----------
Thats a pretty strong line up. I think Mancini is right in saying they are only " a couple" of signings away. If you look at that line up there are only two players who jump out at you for being average. If Mancini can find another world class centre half to partner kompany, and another world class defensive/box to box midfielder to replace barry (miguel veloso?) then the skys the limit for man city.they could even win the premier league in a couple of years.
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Comment number 90.
At 31st Jul 2011, David Rolls wrote:A message to the money men of Chelsea - £40m for Modric and you will be destroying our club.
1. He is not good enough to play for a top 2 team.
2. £40m is just crazy
3. Hamsik is miles better and would only cost £25 - £30m
Please listen because if you keep messing up our club i will certainly stop going.
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Comment number 91.
At 31st Jul 2011, Dave Harris wrote:Quote...
'9. At 13:13 29th Jul 2011, Charlie wrote:
Another final piece in the Citeh jigsaw? More like another wobbly addition to their house of cards. The Berties will go all giddy over spending more money in an attempt to gain parity with their 'don't have to be noisy, look at the trophies' neighbours. Their record with strikers isn't exactly brilliant; Robinho, Dzeko etc etc. And even Carlos Kickaball eventually saw the light when he realised what he had let himself into. Everything changes but it all stays the same for Mancini's Circus of Clowns!'
I love the 'bitter reds'....won everything,but never stopped worrying about their 'noisy and pretty pap for long spells' neighbours !
Let the season commence !
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Comment number 92.
At 31st Jul 2011, Brian Renshaw wrote:Hey Dave (91 above)
as a Bred keeping up with events off the field at the Theatre of Injunctions. The only noise as usual is emerging from The Legal Profession's where there Dream Team MUFC are due more appearances in Court. Ravel Morrison anyone
Rio's X1 (all former Lovers according to the papers) are applying for the vacant slot in the Conference League which will keep Rio's twitter account in full throttle, when he is not causing security alerts at the White House.
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Comment number 93.
At 31st Jul 2011, cliveeta wrote:How much did they spend to get him to Manchester? How much must they give him a week? How good is he?
Let's see how those questions balance out these next few months.
Oh, I forgot, it doesn't matter about money Santa Cruz, Robinho, Adebayor, SWP, how did they justify their price tag? I guess if you throw enough money around some times you might get something worthwhile.....
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Comment number 94.
At 31st Jul 2011, 1958Blue wrote:You say that with Tevez possibly Going,Aguero will not have a decent partner to accompany him on raids upfront. We seem to have forgotten that At present City are possibly trying to swap Tevez for Samuel Eto and also they seem to be chasing Nasri from Arsenal...either one of these two players would be a perfect partner for Aguero,Narsi is quick,clever and extreemely hard to contain. Eto is a fast powerhouse......Would be nice if City also considered chasing Snieder ......
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Comment number 95.
At 31st Jul 2011, ConorMcEvoy wrote:I personally think that Aguero could work perfectly well with Balotelli or Dzeko, they are all talented players who should be able to develop an understanding over a period of time.
Similarly, I can see Aguero being very effective on his own up front, with Silva in behind him and players like Johnson and Balotelli in the wider positions, as he is strong and skilful enough to retain possession when isolated and intelligent enough to link up with them.
It will be interesting to see just how good he is this season, with better players around him than at Atletico Madrid. I think he'll adapt very well to the Premier League, and I wouldn't be surprised if he is a strong contender for player of the season.
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