Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has revealed he underwent surgery in the summer to fix a long-standing knee problem, and credits the absence of pain for his fine start to the season.
Aguero, 30, tops the league scoring charts with eight goals in 12 appearances this campaign, and is currently City's first-choice centre-forward ahead of Brazilian Gabriel Jesus.
Jesus displaced Aguero in manager Pep Guardiola's starting line-up after his arrival in January 2017, with the Brazilian more suited to the Spaniard's high-pressing game.
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However, after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his knee in April, Aguero believes he is able to carry out Guardiola's demands, now he is playing in peak physical condition for the first time in years.
"It all comes from my discomfort in my knee," Aguero told Sky Sports. "I had been suffering for a long time, had a lot of medical treatment and physio here at the club ... and then at the end of last season, I decided to go for surgery before the World Cup.
"Luckily, things are going well for me. Pep Guardiola is happy. I try to help the team and be the first one who starts the pressing. Now I feel much better, I can do it more consistently."
City sit two points clear of Liverpool at the top of the league after a convincing 3-1 victory over rivals Manchester United earlier this month.
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Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Reuters -
Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City (second right) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United. Getty -
Police officers in the stands between Manchester City and Manchester United fans. Reuters -
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho after the match. Reuters -
There was a lot for Manchester City to celebrate. Getty Images -
Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku looks dejected after Manchester City's third goal. Reuters -
Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku cannot hide his dismay. Reuters -
David de Gea was beaten three times by Manchester City.. Getty Images -
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring City's third goal. Reuters -
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan fires home from close range. Reuters -
Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United battles for possession with Bernardo Silva of Manchester City. Getty -
Manchester City's coach Pep Guardiola, right, reacts, as Manchester City's Sergio Aguero walks off after being substituted. AP Photo -
Manchester United's Luke Shaw in action with Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan. Reuters -
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero with manager Pep Guardiola as he is substituted. Reuters -
Manchester City's Leroy Sane has a shot on goal. Reuters -
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates. Reuters
The defending champions are yet to taste a defeat in the league this season and remain favourites to become the first club to defend the title since United achieved the feat in 2009.
"It's not easy to win the Premier League again, but I see the same energy and attitude as last season. That gives us confidence for the future," Aguero added.
"We know what our style of play is. We know how to press, how to start the build-up, how to play, all the movements, etc ... It's going to depend on our mentality. If we manage to keep focused, we can achieve great things."
City resume their campaign after the international break against West Ham United and former manager Manuel Pellegrini at the London Stadium on Saturday.
