Watch: Barcelona Forward Sergio Aguero Breaks Down In Tears As He Announces Retirement Due To Heart Condition

Barcelona and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero on Wednesday announced his retirement from football at a tearful press conference, just over a month after the 33-year-old was diagnosed with a heart problem. "I have decided to stop playing professional football. It is a very hard moment but I am happy with my decision. My health comes first," said Aguero, who enjoyed 10 highly successful years at Manchester City before leaving for Barcelona at the end of last season on a free transfer.

Here is the video of Aguero addressing the media in Wednesday's press conference.

"It's a very difficult moment ... it's for my health."

- @aguerosergiokun pic.twitter.com/DYBjqqSQf2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 15, 2021

Aguero suffered cardiac and respiratory difficulties while playing in La Liga in October. Aguero was accompanied at the press conference on Wednesday by club president Joan Laporta. The 33-year-old joined Barca from Manchester City in July after helping Argentina to win the Copa America.

Just prior to his switch he suffered a bout of Covid-19, and on October 30 was rushed to hospital after breathing problems while playing in the Liga draw against Alaves.

"It looks clear the Argentine striker will announce his retirement after suffering cardiac arythmia," Mundo Deportivo wrote on Tuesday.

The club said after he underwent heart tests in November that Aguero would be unavailable for the next three months while the effectiveness of treatment was evaluated.

At the time Aguero said he remained positive.

"There are rumours going around but I'm following the club doctor's opinion and we'll see how I am in 90 days," he wrote on Twitter.

Aguero left Man City as their all-time record goalscorer with 260 goals, and with the most goals scored for a single club in Premier League history -- 184 goals in 275 appearances.

Topics mentioned in this article

Football Barcelona Argentina Sergio Aguero