Agüero says 'stopping playing football is tough'

Sergio "Kun" Agüero has retired from football. FC Barcelona's Argentinian striker announced his retirement as a professional player due to heart issues at Camp Nou in front of a star-studded football audience. Tearful and very emotional, and finding it hard to express himself, president Joan Laporta remained alongside him throughout.

"I have decided to stop playing football, it is a very difficult moment", he began. “I decided around 10 days ago after having done everything possible in case there was a chance... but it wasn't to be. It's taken me time to digest it”, he added. He explained that "health" reasons deriving from the heart issues experienced that day against Alaves have brought about the decision at the age of 33 years old.

All the same, he acknowledged that he retires "happy" and "proud" of a career packed with goals and trophies after spells with Independiente, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Barça and the Argentina national team. “I am very happy with my career. I had always dreamed about playing football since I first kicked a ball at the age of 5 years old. I wanted to play in the Primera División and in Europe”, he confessed, speaking slowly while visibly shaken.

Barça's last number 19 wanted to thank all his teammates throughout his long football career, including the Barça players, despite only have been here a short time. "They are tremendous teammates and I am very happy about this Club", he stated.

Weighing everything up, Agüero considers it positive that this situation has occurred when he is 33 years old, rather than we he was younger. When asked about his best times as a footballer, the Argentinian highlighted his early days with Independiente and his last title, winning the Copa América with Argentina. He also found time for a bit of humour by mentioning his final and only goal with Barça being against Real Madrid in the recent Clasico at Camp Nou.

Laporta: “You have contributed hugely to football”

After Sergio Agüero spoke, president Joan Laporta dedicated a few emotional words. "I am here with you now but Independiente, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City or the Argentina national team could all be here with you too", he explained. “We wanted to see more of you with Barça, but we think you made the right decision. You have our support whenever you need it”, he added.

Laporta wanted to thank Agüero for his contribution to the world of football: “You've contributed hugely to football, both through talent and as a person”. Lastly, the president confessed that "we would have liked you to join us earlier, when you were an Atletico Madrid player".