Sergio Aguero is only 33 and still had a few years of top-flight football left him but after being diagnosed with a heart condition, the Argentina and Barcelona striker has retired from football effective immediately and called time on his glittering career.
Aguero was taken to hospital on Oct. 30 after experiencing chest pain and breathing difficulties in Barcelona's 1-1 draw with Alaves. The club announced a few days later that he would be out for at least three months following cardiac analysis.
WATCH | THE PAINFUL ANNOUNCEMENT
Over the course of his 18-year career, Aguero scored more than 400 goals. "This press conference is to communicate that I've decided to stop playing soccer. It's a very hard moment but I'm at peace with the decision I made," a tearful Aguero told a gathering at the Camp Nou.
{{/usCountry}}Over the course of his 18-year career, Aguero scored more than 400 goals. "This press conference is to communicate that I've decided to stop playing soccer. It's a very hard moment but I'm at peace with the decision I made," a tearful Aguero told a gathering at the Camp Nou.
{{/usCountry}}"It's a decision that I made to preserve my health. It's what the doctors said to me, that it would be better to stop playing. I made the decision around 10 days ago.
"I'm very proud of my career, it was a dream come true. I just wanted to be a professional player and never thought that I would play in Europe."
The Argentine joined Barca on a free transfer during the close season, but made only five appearances in all competitions due to a calf injury and his cardiac issues, scoring once in a 2-1 home defeat by Real Madrid.
Aguero moved to Spain after a decade with Premier League champions Manchester City, where he scored 260 goals in 390 appearances to become the club's record goalscorer.
(With inputs from Reuters)