Barcelona and Argentina forward Sergio Aguero has announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect after advice from medical staff.
The 33-year-old has not played for his club since being forced off the field against Alaves at the end of October, with the striker complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing.
Aguero was initially expected to spend three months on the sidelines, being closely monitored by medical professionals, before a decision on his future was made.
However, the South American has announced at an official press conference that he will be forced to retire from professional football following advice from doctors.
Aguero was allegedly diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat after undergoing tests in the aftermath of his withdrawal against Alaves on October 30.
"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," said Aguero.
"I made the decision 10 days ago after doing everything possible to have some hope of playing on. I am very proud of 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.
"I will leave with my head held high. I don't know what awaits me in the next part of my life. But I know I have people who love me. I will always remember the amazing things.
"I feel OK right now. Obviously the first two weeks were really difficult. When they did the first physical test on me, the medical staff told me there was a very big possibility I would not be able to continue playing. I am still processing everything. Then they called me to tell me it was definitive. Right now, I am OK, but I know it was difficult.
"When a player plays, they always want to keep winning more things, but I think I can be happy with the titles I won. Anyone can always do a bit more, but I think I did my best for me and my clubs. You play as a team not an individual and everything I did was for my club."
Aguero started his professional career with Independiente before representing both Atletico Madrid and Manchester City ahead of a move to Barcelona on a free transfer.
The forward also made 101 appearances for his country, scoring 41 times in the process, winning this summer's Copa America.
Matt Law
