Spanish journalist Gerard Romero claims 33-year-old Kun Aguero will announce his retirement from professional football next week. Aguero was diagnosed with a heart condition earlier this month and was supposed to decide his future only after receiving treatment for three months. Doctors have since informed him that retiring looked like the best idea given the risks he would face if he tried to play again, sources claim.
Aguero moved from Manchester City to Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer. The Argentine battled injury and could only make his Barcelona debut on 17 October, in a 3-1 Blaugrana win at Camp Nou. Aguero went on to play against Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League, then faced Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano and Alaves in La Liga. Against Alaves, Aguero needed to be taken off the pitch before half-time, as he had trouble breathing and felt chest pains. Barcelona’s doctors directed him immediately to a hospital nearby, where he spent the following days for thorough testing.
“Next week there will be a press conference to announce his retirement,” Gerard Romero told viewers on his Twitch channel.
Aguero has been diagnosed with arrhythmia, a condition that is incompatible with a professional footballer’s career, according to various medical resources.
It’s not the first time rumors claim Aguero is hanging his boots, with the striker addressing them on 12 November through Twitter.
“Given the rumors, I tell you that I am following the indications of the club’s doctors, doing tests and treatment and seeing my progress within 90 days. Always positive,” he wrote.
Former City star Nasri confirms Aguero’s retirement
Talking to Canal+ on Saturday evening, Samir Nasri, Aguero’s former Manchester City teammate confirmed the Argentine’s retirement.
“Kun just sent me a message. Unfortunately, the bad news is confirmed,” Nasri said during the French TV show March of ZeDay.
Aguero’s only Barcelona goal came in El Clasico in October, when he netted his team’s only goal in a 2-1 defeat against archrivals Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. Before moving to Barcelona, Aguero defended Manchester City’s shirt for 10 years. He is one of Leo Messi’s closest friends in football, with his transfer to Barcelona being motivated mainly by their relationship. Aguero only found out Barcelona was not going to extend Messi’s contract this summer after he put pen to paper.