Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to Sergio Aguero after their 6-1 rout of Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Aguero, 31, scored a hat-trick to become the highest overseas goalscorer in Premier League history as City thrashed Aston Villa 6-1.

The Argentina striker moved level and then past former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry, before joining former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard on 177 goals in England's top flight.

"He is a legend," added Guardiola.

Aguero's contract ends in 2021 but Guardiola has not given up hope the striker, who joined from Atletico Madrid in July 2011 for £40m, will sign a new deal.

"It depends on him, it is his decision," said Guardiola.

"This kind of player... there are many in the incredible history of English football. He helps to make the Premier League better."

Guardiola described Aguero as the second best striker in the world behind his fellow Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who the Spaniard managed at Barcelona.

He added: "The best is Messi.

"Messi is number 9, 10, 11, 6, 4. But the rest is Sergio," said the City boss.