(Football news) Barcelona and Argentine star Sergio Aguero has announced his retirement from professional football after a heart condition diagnosis. The 33 year old moved to the Camp Nou this summer after 10 years at the Etihad Stadium and only managed to make five appearances in the Barca jersey before being ruled out indefinitely due to a serious health scare. He was initially admitted to the hospital after suffering from chest pains in the aftermath of Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Alaves and subsequently underwent a series of tests through which doctors confirmed irregular heartbeat to be the root cause.
In an official press conference at the Camp Nou, Sergio Aguero said “This conference is to communicate that I have decided to stop playing football. I have decided to stop playing professional football – it’s a very difficult moment. The decision that I made I have taken for my health – because of the problem that I had a month and a half ago. I was in the good hands of the medical staff who have done their best and have told me that the best thing would be to stop playing. So 10 days ago I made that decision. I want to tell everyone that I did everything possible to have some hope but there wasn’t very much.”
“My health comes first, medical staff have told me it’s best to stop playing and so I’m now leaving Barcelona and retiring from professional football. I am very proud of the career I have had – very happy. I have always dreamed about playing football since I was five years old when I first touched a ball. My dream was to play in the top division – I never imagined I would get to Europe so I want to show my gratitude to everyone. I leave with my head held high – happy. I don’t know what awaits me but I know a lot of people love me and want the best for me” he concluded.
Sitting next to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, a tearful Aguero was shown his career highlights on the big screen in a ceremony where representatives from his former clubs City and Atletico Madrid were also present. The Argentine hangs up his boots after an illustrious 18 year career that has seen him become City’s record goalscorer with 260 goals in 390 appearances between 2011 to 2021. He also has 101 international caps, scoring 42 goals and won the Copa America earlier this year.
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