25 January 2024 , 12:01
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Sergio Aguero insists Manchester City's achievements on the field were achieved 'fair and square', as the club face 115 charges from the Premier League.
While Everton have seen a 10-point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules, and the Toffees could face further punishment alongside Nottingham Forest for a second breach, City are alleged to have breached rules following an investigation that was opened in 2018.
The charges are said to have taken place over a period of 14 seasons from 2009/10 onwards. In that time the current Premier League champions have lifted the trophy seven times in addition to three FA Cups, six League Cups and a Champions League win.
Premier League chief Richard Masters has confirmed that a date is in place for City's hearing after the charges were announced last February. The charges include claims over financial reporting and poor cooperation with the Premier League's investigation, though the club deny any wrongdoing.
City face 54 allegations of failure to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information from 2009/10 and 14 alleged breaches of failing to provide accurate financial reports of player and manager compensation over the same period.
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Aguero arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2011 in a £35million deal. The former Argentina international scored 260 goals in his 390 apperances for the team.
That saw Aguero become City's all-time top goalscorer during a period of continued success for the club. He was unfortunate to depart before Pep Guardiola's side could taste Champions League triumph with his last match coming against Chelsea in the final of the competition, a 1-0 defeat.
The 35-year-old retired in December 2021 after being diagnosed with a heart condition soon after completing a transfer to Barcelona. He nevertheless is following what is set to transpire at his former club.
Aguero helped Manchester City win five Premier League titles (PA)Aguero believes his side's achievements as a team were through their own effort. He told Stake.com: "I can say that our achievements as a team, on the field, were won with effort and sportsmanship, fair and square."
City boss Guardiola has previously defended the club and suggested that those on the outside simply want to see the side punished. The Spaniard's contract is set to expire in 2025 but suggested any penalty would not impact his future.
He said: "We are innocent until guilt is proved. I know the people want it. I know, I feel it. I will wait and see, and after the sentence has been done we will come here and explain."
Guardiola added: "I will not consider my future (if) it depends being here or being in League One. There is more chance to stay if we are in League One than if we were in the Champions League."