Sergio Aguero has announced his retirement from football, bringing a glittering, trophy-laden career to an end.
Aguero has long been expected to call time on his playing days after being diagnosed with a heart condition shortly after making his long-awaited Barcelona debut back in October.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the striker confirmed that he has been advised to retire.
“My health comes first. Medical staff have told me it’s best to stop playing and so I’m now leaving Barcelona and retiring from professional football," he said.
Aguero started his career at Argentinian side Independiente where his performances earned him a move to Atletico Madrid in 2006.
It was in the Spanish capital that he made a name for himself as one of Europe's top marksman, netting 100 times in 231 appearances in all competitions. His final season at the club was his most impressive with Aguero managing 27 goals in 41 games.
There was stiff competition for his signature the following summer with Chelsea strongly linked, but he eventually penned terms with Premier League upstarts Manchester City.
The signing was an inspired one with Aguero now considered one of the club's best ever players. He is certainly one of the most important, with his second-half stoppage time winner against QPR on the final day of the season earning the Cityzens their first ever Premier League title in 2012.
Plenty more goals would follow with Aguero departing the Etihad Stadium as City's all-time leading scorer in the summer.
His dream move to Barcelona has been nightmarish, though. After arriving at the club injured he was forced off during his debut due to chest pains, and he was later diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia.
Source : 90min