Aguero looks to emulate Maradona

Published Nov. 22, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Sergio Aguero would love to inspire Manchester City to glory in the manner his father-in-law Diego Maradona did for Napoli.

Maradona, the legendary World Cup-winning Argentinian, will forever be revered in Naples after inspiring the Italian club to two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup win between 1987 and 1990.

Aguero will step into his shadow as City take on Napoli at the San Paolo Stadium looking to secure a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.

Aguero has made a fine start at City since a £35million summer move from Atletico Madrid, scoring 11 times in 15 appearances, but the 23-year-old still dreams of reaching his compatriot's heights.

"In the past he told me everything about Napoli, and I have also seen on TV what he did, how important he was for the fans," he said.

"This is matter of pride for me because I am Argentinian.

"It is my dream, doing what Maradona did for Napoli, doing the same for Manchester City.

"But I don't want to talk about myself, it is important Manchester City do well as a team."

Maradona will not be at the game following the recent death of his mother.

Aguero said: "I couldn't speak to him because of the situation, the loss of his mother.

"I just want to send the best wishes to him at this moment."

City can secure a place in the last 16 with victory tonight but anything less could leave them facing a tricky final group game.

Roberto Mancini's Barclays Premier League leaders got their European campaign back on track by completing back-to-back wins over Villarreal earlier this month to move second in Group A.

Yet the testing trip to the intimidating San Paolo has long looked like being the pivotal fixture and, with Napoli just two points behind, so it has proved.

City are likely to face a hostile atmosphere but Aguero wonders whether his family connections might see him treated differently.

He said: "I don't know - I can't imagine any special treatment for me.

"All fans (hopefully) always accept me on any pitch I play but I think the fact Diego is Argentinian will probably help me."

Aguero will come up against another Argentinian in international team-mate Ezequiel Lavezzi, who forms a formidable attacking trio for Napoli along with Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani.

All three have been linked with City but Aguero was asked at last night's pre-match press conference whether Lavezzi might have tried to tempt him to join Napoli.

Aguero said: "We don't get a chance to be together (often) so we will usually speak about other things.

"Also, it would also be a lack of respect towards our clubs - but mainly I ask him to come to join Manchester City."