Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero has expressed his desire to leave the club during the off-season.The 23-year-old Argentine striker scored 20 goals for Atletico in La Liga this season and has been a long-time transfer target of English Premier League giants Chelsea.

“I said long ago that when I wanted to go, I would say so publicly. And the time has come,” Aguero posted in a statement on his official website.

“So I keep to my word and here I am. I find it hard to leave Atletico. It hurts and saddens me. I’ve thought long and hard and I am convinced that I must be true to myself.”

“I’m about to turn 23 and I have everything before me. Suffice it to say that this is not an economic issue but strictly a sporting one. So I want to clearly express my appreciation to the club for the efforts they have made for giving me a salary that equates with the largest clubs in the world.”

Aguero – the son-in-law of Diego Maradona – also revealed that the new contract he signed in January was designed as a ploy to earn the club more money if he was sold in the off-season.

He has scored over 100 goals for the Spanish club since signing in 2006.

Aguero’s statement comes after Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin announced last week that the striker was off limits.