Kun Aguero moved to the Nou Camp over the summer after a ten-year spell at Manchester City, where he became the club’s leading goalscorer.
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Sergio Aguero broke down in tears as he announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33 due to a heart condition. The Manchester City legend gave an emotional press conference with his current club Barcelona on Wednesday, with hundreds of players past and present, club legends and officials present. The striker, who struggled to speak through tears, confirmed he has taken the decision for his health, and thanked club doctors who have looked after him.
King Kun.
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
Barcelona played a video of his greatest footballing moments, but the Argentine found it too difficult to watch. Earlier, Aguero was taken ill during a game for the Spanish giants in October. The 33-year-old was taken to hospital after clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness during a clash with Alaves. He was ruled out of action for at least three months to undergo a period of observation before being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia.
Piel de gallina. ?
Gracias por todo, @aguerosergiokun. pic.twitter.com/KNIHTg6Pq3— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) December 15, 2021
Aguero said: “This conference is to let you know that I have decided to stop playing professional football. It is a very hard moment.
“I am happy with the decision I took, because my health comes first. You know why I took this decision. I was in the good hands of the doctors, who have done their best and recommended that the best thing to do was to stop playing.
“I made the decision ten days ago. I did everything I could to see if there was any hope but there wasn’t much hope.
“I am very proud of my career. I have always dreamed of playing football since I was five years old. My dream was to play in the first division, I never thought about going to Europe.
“I want to thank Independiente, where I grew up, Atletico Madrid, who bet on me at the age of 18. To City, who knows how I feel about them. I left the best. I am very grateful.
“And to the people at Barça, who were incredible in the way I was treated. I came to one of the best teams in the world but things happen for a reason. I thank everyone. I also thank the Argentina national team, which is what I love the most.”
He then addressed the crowd who had assembled at the Nou Camp.
Aguero continued: “Thanks to everyone who came to this event. To my family, to everyone who is here. To my team-mates, from Independiente to Barca. I did my best to help all my teams win.
“Thanks to my team-mates, who helped me to grow. I leave with my head held high and very happy. I don’t know what awaits me in this next life, but I know that I have a lot of people who love me and want the best for me.
Aguero moved to the Nou Camp over the summer after a ten-year spell at Manchester City, where he became the club’s leading goalscorer. He scored 260 times for City, bagging 84 Premier League goals for current City boss and Barca legend Pep Guardiola. He was instrumental in helping City win five league titles during a glittering decade.
But his time at Barca has been cruelly cut short, with Aguero now pondering what life will look like off the pitch. He played only five times for the Catalans, his solitary goal coming in a 2-1 home defeat to great rivals Real Madrid on October 24.
His old boss Guardiola was present at the Nou Camp for the emotional announcement, as well as a clutch of former team-mates and members of the current Barca squad.
