Aguero announces retirement in emotional farewell
(Update 1: Adds reactions)
Barcelona, Spain, Dec 15 (EFE).- A tearful Sergio Aguero announced his retirement from professional football on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old Barcelona striker has been forced to end his career after suffering chest pains during a match against Alaves at Camp Nou on October 30.
An event to make the announcement was held by Barcelona, with representatives from his former clubs Manchester City, including manager Pep Guardiola, and Atletico Madrid also present.
“This conference is to tell you that I have decided to stop playing professional soccer. It is a very difficult moment, but I am very happy with the decision I made. The first thing is my health,” the Argentina international said.
“I made the decision ten days ago. I did everything I could to see if there was any hope, but there hasn’t been much”.
After suffering chest pains which were later found to be caused by a cardiac arrhythmia, club doctors announced Aguero would undergo a period of testing and rehabilitation, before he was told that the cardiac ailment would not allow him to continue playing at elite level.
“I want to tell everyone that I did everything possible. I have dreamt about playing football since I was five years old and I first touched a ball.
“I’m proud of the career I’ve had and am fortunate it is happening to me now rather than before. 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.”
Aguero ends his career having scored 427 goals in 786 as one of the world’s most prolific strikers.
