Argentina striker Sergio Aguero had a dream when he signed for Spanish team FC Barcelona this season. The dream was to play alongside his fellow countryman Lionel Messi. But things changed dramatically as Messi left for the French club Paris Saint-Germain FC.
Aguero eventually did start to play for FC Barcelona but in a dramatic turn of events the 33-year old Argentine had to announce his retirement after playing just five games and scoring one goal for the Catalan giants.
On Wednesday (December 15), Barcelona striker Aguero announced his immediate retirement due to health reasons.
Health issues during the game
Aguero underwent heart tests after leaving the field, holding his chest, during Barcelona's match against Alaves in the La Liga on October 30. His condition has since been evaluated, and a tearful Aguero said at a press conference at Barcelona home ground Camp Nou that he had decided to stop playing.
"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. 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," Aguero said in the press conference.
From Manchester to Barcelona
Aguero is one of the world's most famous players, having only joined Barcelona in the after ending a 10-year stint at Manchester City during which he became a great of the English game.
"Sergio I think, as we just saw, we are left with deep joy and excitement with what you could have been here at Barcelona, but anything you need with your condition we are here at your disposal," said Barcelona club president Joan Laporta in the press conference.
"You will be remembered not just as a player, but as a friend. A new journey awaits and I am sure it will be just as successful. You deserve it," Laporta added.
