Sergio Aguero reveals how ditching barbecues and Argentinian steak has lead to goalscoring longevity
Sergio Aguero has revealed that ditching barbecues and Argentine steak is the key behind his consistent goalscoring form after the Manchester City star detailed how his old diet lead to dizzy spells on the pitch.
The 31-year-old has been a terror to many Premier League defences since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2011, scoring 254 goals in 368 games for the Citizens.
However, the Argentine has revealed how his diet did not agree with his body, with regular barbecues and steaks leading to the striker putting on weight and suffering dizzy bouts during games.
Sergio Aguero has detailed how ditching his old diet has lead to goalscoring longevity at City
Aguero said between 2013 and 2016 he had issues with his weight due to BBQs and steak
‘I think it was from 2013 to 2016 that I could not adapt to food well,’ Aguero told TyC Sports. ‘From there I met an Italian doctor online – and he changed my mind a little.
‘I told him what I usually ate, which was to eat a lot of meat, and when he told me to try it just once a week I was like “uhhh”.
‘Then I adapted. He told me that when I am very hungry I should put rice and chicken together – and today I am a big fan of rice.
‘In football, even if it’s only half-a-kilo, you feel the difference. It is incredible.’
Strict dietary rules by Pep Guardiola helped get Aguero back on the straight and narrow
There were doubts cast on Aguero’s future at City following the arrival of Pep Guardiola in 2016. Reports had suggested the Spaniard did not feel the player fit in his style of football, nor could he handle the physical demands he required.
Upon arriving at City, Guardiola imposed strict dietary guidelines, banning pizza and chips from the training ground. Those restrictions lead to Aguero losing weight.
‘In 2016 and 2017 there were games that lowered my pressure. I felt bad.
‘I started with a little dizziness. Many said that It was because of so many pills, anti-inflammatories and vitamins. In football, there are a lot of things to (help you) recover as quickly as possible.
‘I told them that I always took those things, so in the end I think it was because of the weight. If I remember, my weight was 81 or 81.3 kilograms. Normally I weigh 79.5 or 80 kilograms. At the moment, I am 79.5.
The Argentine has gone on to become City’s record goalscorer and is still a key player
‘When I arrived at Atletico Madrid, I was 77, so in 13 years I have gained two kilos. I think we can agree that the body I had at 18 is not the body I have now.’
Aguero has also shared how the club are monitoring players’ fitness and diet during the current lockdown period. All players are at home and obeying the strict social distancing guidelines imposed by the government during the coronavirus crisis.
‘They control us all the time. Sometimes I say I’m going to try to reach 78kilos, but when I reach 78.5 and I feel bad. I swear, I feel weak.
‘Sometimes they control you by measuring blood. The things that exist are incredible. But I always weigh myself. If you control yourself every day then at least you have an idea.
‘Sometimes I say we are going to throw a little meat (on the grill), but it is difficult because sometimes the club asks you what you have to eat. They want more salad, more fish, now some omega pills, vitamin A.’
