Barcelona’s Sergio Aguero calls it quits due to a heart condition

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Sergio Aguero

has pronounced that he will hang up his boots because of a heart condition.

The Argentine forward joined the Blaugrana on a free transfer after leaving

in the summer, having played at Etihad Stadium for the last 10 years.

The 33-year-old suffered a calf injury and could not feature for the Catalans at the beginning of the season, playing in only five games before his health scare had him retire.

Aguero revealed his heartbreaking decision to retire as he does not want to risk his health.

"

This conference is to announce I have decided to stop playing professional football,"

he said.

"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 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."

The star player was first admitted to hospital after having chest pains during his side’s 1-1 draw with Alaves in November. Aguero, who started his career at Atletico in 2006, had to do some tests before doctors told him that he has an irregular heartbeat, which is causing his discomfort.

If Aguero had continued playing, he would have risked a life-threatening episode like the one Cristian Eriksen suffered at Euro 2020.

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