MADRID - FC Barcelona on Monday confirmed the signing of Argentinean striker Kun Aguero on a two-year contract until the end of June 2023.

The 33-year-old arrived from Manchester City on a free transfer, with the move being made public after the forward passed a medical test, which paid special attention to his left knee, operated on last year in Barcelona.

Aguero returned to Spain after 10 years with Manchester City, where he scored 260 goals in 390 appearances to become a club legend. His 184 goals in 275 Premier League appearances make him the fourth highest all-time scorer in that competition behind Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Andy Cole.

His knee operation meant that this season Aguero had suffered physically, making just 12 league appearances (four starts) in his last season with Manchester City. The club confirmed in March that they would not renew his contract.

If he can stay fit, Aguero could provide Barcelona with the natural goalscorer the club missed last season after allowing Luis Suarez to join Atletico Madrid.

The move is also significant as Aguero and Messi are close friends and it is thought that his arrival was on the condition that Messi would extend his current deal with Barcelona, which is due to expire at the end of June.

Barcelona is also expected to confirm the arrival of central defender Eric Garcia from Manchester City in the next few days.