Sergio Aguero announces his retirement from football due to a heart condition

Barcelona and Argentina’s striker retires at the age of 33

Sergio Aguero has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 due to a heart condition.

Aguero has not played a match since the end of October when he was taken to the hospital after experiencing chest pains and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves.

The former Manchester City striker was regularly examined to monitor his health, with the results advising him it would be a risk to carry on with his professional career.

He announced his retirement at a press conference on Wednesday, joined by Barca President Joan Laporta.

“This press conference is to announce my retirement from professional football. It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have taken for my health; the problem I had for a month and a half ago.” Aguero said.

“I have been in good hands with the medical staff. I made the decision 10 days ago after doing everything possible to have some hope of playing on. I am very proud of my career. I have always dreamed of a professional career since the first time I touched the ball.” Aguero added.

Barca Legend and City manager Pep Guardiola was present in the Camp Nou alongside the director of football Txiki Begiristain. The entire Barcelona’s first-team squad and representatives from his former clubs were also present.

Sergio, I think, as we just saw, we are left with deep joy and excitement with what you could have been here at Barcelona, but anything you need with your heart condition we are here at your disposal,” Laporta said.

Argentina’s striker and former Barcelona star Lionel Messi paid tribute to Sergio via Instagram, “ Practically all of our career together, Kun… we have lived very beautiful moments and others that were not so much so, but all of them brought us together even more and made us closer as friends. And we are going to continue to live moments together off the pitch.”

Manchester City also paid tribute to Aguero, “King Kun; Everyone at Manchester City would like to take this opportunity to thank @augerosergiokun for his incredible contribution to our success over the last decade and wish him well in his retirement.”

Aguero left Man City to join Barca bringing his incredible 10 years journey at the Etihad to an end. Aguero scored a remarkable 260 goals in 390 games, making him on the greatest goal scorer for Manchester City.