Sergio Aguero has announced that he is hanging up his boots after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia during a Barcelona match on October 30, 2021.
Aguero declared amidst tears during a press conference at the Camp Nou, Barcelona on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. He indicated that the decision is a difficult one, given his love for the game.
“This announcement is to let you know that I have decided to stop playing professional football. It is a very hard decision.”
Sergio Aguero
The footballer disclosed to the media that his reason for retirement is solely because of his health.
“First of all, it’s my health; you know the problem I had a month and a bit ago. I was in good hands with the doctors, they told me that the best thing to do was to stop playing and I took this decision a week or 10 days ago.”
Sergio Aguero
He noted that he has tried all he could to reverse the situation but it wasn’t to be. Nonetheless, Sergio Aguero stated that he is happy how his career went.
“I did everything I could to see if there was any hope, but there was not much hope. I am proud and happy for how my career went. Since I was five years old I have dreamed of playing football, of being in the [Argentine] First Division, I never thought of going to Europe.”
Sergio Aguero
The Ex Manchester City hit man expressed his appreciation to his first employers for believing in him to hand him his first contract. He also thank all the football clubs that have worked with him.
“I want to thank Independiente Atletico Madrid, who placed their faith in me when I was 18 years old, the people at Man City, who know how I feel, I have left the best.
“To Barcelona, it has been incredible, I knew I was coming to one of the best clubs in the world, but things happen for a reason. And to the national team, which is what I love the most.”
Sergio Aguero
Just five games for Barcelona
Aguero joined Barcelona with the hope of playing alongside his best friend Lionel Messi, but his departure to Paris Saint-Germain and an injury that the former Manchester City man was carrying meant that he did not make his first Blaugrana appearance until October 17, 2021.
From that point on, Aguero was only able to play in five Barcelona matches before suffering a heart issue against Alaves. He was able to grab one goal in that time, though, as he netted a consolation goal in the Clasico against Real Madrid.
He was taken to hospital on 30th October, after experiencing “chest discomfort” during a 1-1 draw with Alaves.
Aguero’s Career Stats
The 33-year-old, who represented Independiente, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City before joining Barcelona last summer, played in a total of 666 club matches, in which he scored 379 goals and provided 146 assists.
In addition, for Argentina, Aguero represented his country on 101 occasions, scoring 41 goals and providing 19 assists.
READ ALSO: Tepid Opening Shifts GSE Major Stocks to End on Flatline