Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has officially retired from football after being diagnosed with a heart problem.

The 33-year old Argentine announced his retirement on Wednesday in a ceremony in Camp Nou, Barcelona.

“My health comes first. Medical staff have told me it’s best to stop playing and so I’m now leaving Barca and retiring from football,” Aguero said.

“I will leave now with my head held high. I’m happy. I don’t know what awaits me in the next life. I know there are lots of people that love me and want the best for me.”

The striker experienced chest problems and breathing difficulties during the first half of Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Alavés on 30 October.

Following the match, the 33-year-old was diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Sergio Aguero began his club football career with Independiente in Argentina between 2003 – 2006. He proceeded to join La Liga’s Atletico Madrid in 2006 and won the Europa League with the club in 2010 scoring 101 goals in 234 club appearances for Atletico Madrid.

The striker moved to England where he joined Manchester City in 2011. He is Manchester City’s ever leading scorer and won five EPL titles, one FA Cup and six League Cups with the EPL giants.

Aguero left Manchester City on a free transfer to Barcelona in July 2021 where he has now retired. 

For Argentina, he scored 41 goals in 101 appearances. He has played in three world cups and helped Argentina lift the Copa America trophy in 2021.

Sergio Aguero played a total of 786 matches, scoring 426 goals and 118 assists.