Barcelona Striker Sergio Aguero Breaks Down in Tears as he Announces Football Retirement Due to Heart Condition | WATCH VIDEO

The 33-year-old Argentine forward has decided to hang up his boots after a serious health scare, bringing to an end his illustrious 18-year career.

Camp Nou: Barcelona and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero on Wednesday announced his retirement from football at a tearful press conference, just over a month after the 33-year-old was diagnosed with a heart condition. “I have decided to stop playing professional football. It is a very hard moment but I am happy with my decision. My health comes first,” said Aguero during his media interaction on Wednesday. The 33-year-old, who enjoyed 10 highly successful years at Manchester City, had moved to Camp Nou on a free transfer in the summer this season. Aguero signed a two-year deal with Barcelona but had made just five appearances, scoring one goal against Real Madrid.

Aguero was taken to hospital after experiencing chest pains and breathing difficulties during Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Alaves in October. He was later ruled out of action for three months following a cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis. Earlier, due to a calf injury – Aguero missed the start of the season at Barca. Club president Joan Laporta accompanied Aguero during an official press conference at Camp Nou.

“I want to share my gratitude to everyone, regardless of where I’ve played … Atlético Madrid … Manchester City … Barça.”

— @aguerosergiokun pic.twitter.com/DC4lrvSqvU

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 15, 2021

“This conference is to announce I have decided to stop playing professional football,” Aguero said. “It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have taken is for my health [and relates to] the problem I had a month-and-a-half ago. 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 always dreamed of a professional career since the first time I touched a ball at five.

“I want to thank Atletico Madrid who took a chance on me when I was 18 and Manchester City, everyone knows how I feel about City and how well they treated me there.

Aguero left Premier League giants Man City as their all-time leading scorer with 260 goals. His most famous winner was an injury-time strike against Queens Park Rangers in May 2012 which won the Premier League title for City.

Sergio Aguero has a firm place in #PL history, winning 5 titles with @ManCity and scoring 184 goals

None more so famous than this one… pic.twitter.com/gfDdubK4ph

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 15, 2021

“I am very proud of the career I have had,” he added.

“Everyone knows about the goal I scored for City against Queens Park Rangers to win my first Premier League, but there have been many great moments.” Aguero concluded.