Tearful Sergio Aguero confirms retirement from football - 'It's a very difficult moment ... it's for my health'

The Argentinian has been diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Kun Aguero smiles as he addresses a press conference to announce his retirement from football, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, on December 15, 2021. Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

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

The Barcelona striker announced the news at a press conference at the Nou Camp on Wednesday morning, where he addressed the media alongside club president Joan Laporta.

Aguero experienced chest pains and breathing difficulties during the first half of Barcelona's 1-1 home draw with Alaves on October 30.

He fell to the turf clutching his chest and was treated for several minutes before being able to walk off and taken to hospital.

The Argentinian was subsequently diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

An emotional Aguero said: "This conference is to communicate that I have decided to stop playing football.

"It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have made I have taken for my health, that is the main reason, because of the problem that I had a month-and-a-half ago.

"I was in good hands of the medical staff who have done their best and have told me the best thing would be to stop playing.

"So I made that decision about a week ago and I want to tell everyone I did everything possible to have hope, but there wasn't very much."

The former Manchester City and Atletico Madrid striker continued: "I am very proud of the career I have had, very happy.

"I always dreamt of playing football from five years old. I want to show my gratitude to everyone, all of the clubs I played at and, of course, my love, Argentina.

"I don't know what awaits me in the next life, but I know there are a lot of people who love me and want the best for me."

"I have decided to stop playing football."

— @aguerosergiokun pic.twitter.com/kVpislPA9K

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 15, 2021

Club president Laporta said: "It is as if all the reps of the teams you have played for are right here next to me too. We are left with the joy and excitement of what you could have been here at Barca.

"You have all of our support, anything you need we are here at your disposal.

"You have been an amazing player and everywhere you have played you have achieved so much, not just the talent but also the friendships you made.

"On your first day at Barca, we wished you had come here earlier. We always wanted you to play for our club but a new journey awaits and I hope it will be just as successful, you deserve it."

The press conference, which was attended by representatives of all Aguero's previous clubs, including former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, who managed him at Manchester City, ended with Aguero receiving a standing ovation.

Aguero's glittering 18-year-career began at Independiente, where he became Argentina's youngest top-flight debutant. After three years he moved to Atletico Madrid in 2006 before signing for City in 2011.

His first season at the Etihad Stadium ended in a career highlight when his injury-time winner against QPR snatched top spot from rivals Manchester United and gave City a first title since 1968.

A decade at the club saw him win five Premier League titles, six League Cups and an FA Cup, scoring 260 goals in 390 appearances.

His final City appearance ended in the heartbreak of a Champions League final defeat by Chelsea, with another career low point being the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany.

He helped Argentina win the Copa America earlier this year, while in five matches for Barcelona Aguero scored once, in a 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak paid tribute to Aguero's career with a message on the club's website, saying: "The facts speak for themselves - Sergio is quite simply the most ruthless striker in the history of the Premier League.

"It is extraordinary that his statistics, more reflective of two careers, are in fact those of a player whose time in the game was cut short.

"His impact lives not only in the club that we are today, but in the club that we will be for many years to come.

"He has earned the adoration of the City family, and the respect of the football family the World over."

 

A moment that will be remembered forever.

Take it away, Sergio Aguero 💙

(via @ManCity)pic.twitter.com/90MDXNw4es

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 15, 2021