Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero admits he may have to step aside for Gabriel Jesus but says he's ready to fight 'until the end of the season'

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Sergio Aguero has admitted he will have to work harder to keep his place at Manchester City after Gabriel Jesus' return to fitness and refused to commit his future to the club beyond the end of the season.

The Argentine found himself on the bench at the beginning of the year after Jesus arrived in a £27m transfer, but was handed a reprieve after the Brazilian sensation suffered a broken metatarsal.

But Jesus, who was named on the bench for Thursday's Manchester derby before coming on late on, is close to a full recovery and Aguero admits there will soon be a time when he will have to step aside for youngsters like him.

Sergio Aguero admitted he may be reaching an age where youngsters start to apply pressure

Aguero said he is ready for the challenge of fresh competition at Manchester City

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: 'I know there will come a time when I'll have to step aside. Other young strikers like Gabriel Jesus will be brought in. Of course he's a very good young player which is why he's at City.

'When you reach a certain age, the youngsters start putting pressure on you and you have to be even better. I'm happy that he's back now and that means I'll have to be much more focused and alert when I play.'

The Argentine was chosen by Pep Guardiola in his starting XI against Manchester United

Aguero was used as a substitute for three successive matches in February to make way for Jesus, leading to speculation that he will look to move away in the summer.

But while the 28-year-old said he was only focused on doing his best until the end of the current season, he did say that he would respect Guardiola's decision if he found himself back amongst the substitutes. 

He continued: 'If I have to start on the bench once again, I'll have to accept it. That's football. I always respect my coach and I certainly respect Pep. I just want to play and give my all until the end of the season.'

Gabriel Jesus was named on the bench as he continues his recovery from a broken foot