Sergio Aguero has confirmed his retirement from football, saying that he is "proud" of the career he had after accepting the "very difficult" decision.
The Argentine, who sobbed while announcing the news on Wednesday, admitted that he retired from the sport to protect his health.
Aguero has made the decision on Wednesday after joining Barcelona a few months ago.
The former Manchester City striker was taken to hospital on 30 October after experiencing "chest discomfort" during a 1-1 draw with LaLiga side Alaves.
Aguero joined Man City from Atletico Madrid in 2011 for £38m when he was 23 years old. He had already helped Atletico to Europa League success, and had won two Under-20 World Cups and claimed the Olympic gold in 2008.
"The decision I have made, I have taken it for my health," said Aguero.
"This conference is to communicate that I have decided to stop playing football. It's a very difficult moment.
"When they did the first physical test on me in the clinic, the medical staff called me to tell me there was a very big possibility that I wouldn't be able to keep playing. From that point I was processing it all but it wasn't easy. One of the doctors told me straight up, 'that's enough'.
"I want to tell everyone that I did everything possible. I dreamt about playing football since I was five years old and I first touched a ball. I never thought I would get to Europe, so I want to show my gratitude to everyone regardless of where I trained.
"I'm proud of the career I've had and am fortunate it is happening to me now rather than before. I don't know what awaits me in the next life but I know there are a lot of people who love me and want the best for me."
Aguero ended his career at the Camp Nou after scoring an all-time 427 goals in 786 games.
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