Pablo Zabaleta is optimistic that Sergio Aguero will stay at Manchester City following his fellow Argentine's recent upheaval in his private life.
Aguero confirmed earlier this month that he had split from his wife and admitted that it was difficult with his son being back in his native Argentina.
However, while Zabaleta acknowledged the importance of a player's private life, the full-back expressed his belief that Aguero will not be leaving the Premier League champions.
"I hope he'll stay here a long time," said Zabaleta. "He's a young player but he's signed a long-term contract and we want to keep him. He's an important player here.
"When I speak to him he always tells me he's enjoying life in Manchester at this club. He's here to win trophies and to help make this club bigger. I think he's going in the right direction.
"And we all know how important he is for this club - he was brilliant last season.
"I see him every day. His family were here for Christmas, he had a really good time with them. The private life is always important. If you have problems off the pitch, it's not easy. Everyone can have problems.
"He's working really hard for the team and he scored probably the most important goal for this club in the last 50 years. Every fan will have Sergio in his heart."
