The prolific South American hitman, who joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2011, told Sky Sports after the match: “I’m so happy for the record.

“But I thank my team-mates because they helped me this year. I’m so happy.”

Aguero came into Sunday’s game at Villa Park sitting sixth in the all-time Premier League scoring charts.

He is now joint fourth after moving above former Arsenal star Henry and joining Frank Lampard on 177 strikes.

Only Shearer (260), Wayne Rooney (208) and Andrew Cole (187) now lie above the 31-year-old, who is under contract at City until June 2021 and eager to add to his goal tally.

Aguero added: “I want to keep scoring more goals, but it all depends on my team-mates. If they pass to me, then it’s fine.”

Aguero, who was hailed a “legend” by many of his team-mates, dedicated his feats to his son Benjamin.

He said on Twitter: “Very very happy about this victory, and it’s truly moving to reach new milestones — standing alongside legends like @ThierryHenry, Frank Lampard and @alanshearer.

“I’d like to thank all of those who’ve made this possible. My teammates, the whole @ManCity, our supporters, the @premierleague, my family and all of those who help me be better every day. And a special dedication to my son Benjamin.”

Aguero said the quality level in the Premier League made his achievements all the more pleasing.

“I’m very happy because it’s not easy to score 12 hat-tricks in the Premier League,” he said. “I’m very proud, because it’s so difficult.”

He also praised the impact manager Pep Guardiola has had on his career, adding in an interview on the City Twitter account: “Pep has helped me a lot, I am very happy with him.”

Shearer congratulated the Argentinian on his achievement, saying on Twitter: “A special day for a special player.”