Sergio Aguero has confirmed his retirement from football, stating: “I will leave with my head held high.”
The legendary ex-Man City striker, who scored one of the most iconic goals in Premier League history, was in tears as he spoke in a press conference at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
Aguero suffered chest pains in his first competitive start for the Spanish club against Alaves in October and was substituted before half-time.
He was immediately taken to hospital for cardiological tests, before Barca confirmed the striker would initially be out for three months.
However, the 33-year-old has now followed the advice from doctors and called time on his illustrious career.
The Barcelona striker couldn’t hold back the tears
He said in a press conference at the Nou Camp: “This conference is to announce I have decided to stop playing professional football. It is a very difficult moment.
“The decision I have taken for my health; 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 for my career.
Aguero’s former boss Pep Guardiola was in attendance
Everyone at Manchester City would like to take this opportunity to thank @aguerosergiokun for his incredible contribution to our success over the last decade and wish him well in his retirement  pic.twitter.com/AgMWXZtPZ8
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 15, 2021
“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 who I feel about City and how well they treated me there.”
He added: “I will leave with my head held high. I don’t know what awaits me in the next part of my life. But I know I have people who love me. I will always remember the amazing things.”