City legend Aguero announces his retirement from football
A tearful Sergio Aguero has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 due to a heart condition.
The Barcelona striker broke down in tears as he announced the news at a press conference at the Nou Camp yesterday.
Aguero experienced chest pains and breathing difficultiesduringthefirsthalfofBarcelona’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).
At the press conference, which was attended by representatives of all of his previous clubs,includingformerBarcelona boss Pep Guardiola who managed him at Manchester City,anemotionalAguerosaid: “Thisconferenceistocommunicate 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,thatisthemainreason, 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 theirbestandhavetoldmethe 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 proudofthecareerIhavehad, very happy.
“Ialwaysdreamtofplaying 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 whatawaitsmeinthenextlife, but I know there are a lot of people who love me and want the best for me.”
Aguero’sglittering18-year career began at Independiente, where he became Argentina’s youngest top-flight debutant.Afterthreeyearshe moved to Atletico Madrid in 2006 before signing for City in 2011.
His first season at the EtihadStadiumendedinacareer highlight when his stoppagetimewinneragainstQPRgave 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.