Sergio Aguero learned his trade on the streets
Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has said he toughened up as a player on the streets of Buenos Aires.
Aguero recently recovered from a persistent knee injury and has scored seven goals in 12 appearances this season. The striker has 25 international caps to his name.
Speaking in an interview with Spanish monthly FHM, the nimble forward revealed that his skills as a player were developed on the streets of his hometown.
"I learned to play in the streets. Every day of school, everyone came and played football. I went out there and just started to play. The street is a good school, and you learn many things there-resiliency, how to play against older players, and how to put
with or dodge kicks."
That schooling led to the Argentine making his debut for Club Atletico Independiente at 15 years and 35 days of age, succeeding Boca Juniors legend Diego Maradona as the Argentinian first division's youngest debutant.
Atletico should rival Spain's best clubs
Aguero, who has stayed put with Atletico despite attracting the interest of several of Europe's top clubs since he move to Spain in 2006, added that his team's ambition is to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid for the league title.
"We must be an alternative to Barcelona and Real Madrid, although we know that will be very difficult, because they always fight for the league. We know that our goal is not that, but to go into the Champions League by finishing third or fourth."
Atletico, last year's Europa League champions, are currently seventh in La Liga with 17 points from 11 games.
The team have failed to qualify for the Champions League in the past two seasons.
Atletico's next league fixture is against Real Sociedad on Sunday 21 November, while Aguero is set to feature in Argentina's international friendly against Brazil on Wednesday 17 November.
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