Messi and Laporta lead tributes following Aguero retirement

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 15 Dec 2021 07:57 CST
• 7 min read

Sergio Aguero has emotionally announced his retirement from professional football due to a heart condition.

A five-time Premier League winner, he will be best remembered at Manchester City for scoring the title-clinching goal of 2011-12, netting deep into stoppage time on the final day of the season against QPR to deny Manchester United the crown.

Aguero spent a decade at the Etihad Stadium before moving to Camp Nou this summer, but his time at Camp Nou proved to be something of a nightmare.

He joined the club in order to team up with close friend Lionel Messi, but the forward was forced into a move to Paris Saint-Germain for financial reasons.

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Aguero then suffered an injury in pre-season that meant he was unable to make his debut for the club until October 17 against Valencia.

He scored his first goal for Barcelona in the Clasico, though it proved to be a late consolation against Real Madrid.

Aguero was set to miss at least another three months of action after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia in a game versus Alaves in October.

He was brought off the pitch after complaining of dizziness as well as chest pains.

On Wednesday, the player and Barcelona announced that the heart issue will force him to retire.

The football world reacts to Aguero's retirement

A beloved player among team-mates and fans, here are some of the reactions to the news:

Lionel Messi (Instagram):

"Practically a whole career together, Kun. We lived very beautiful moments and others that were not so, all of them made us unite more and more and be more friends. And we are going to continue living them together outside the field.

"The truth is that now it hurts a lot to see how you have to stop doing what you like the most because of what happened to you. Surely you will continue to be happy because you are a person who transmits happiness and those of us who love you will be with you. Now a new stage of your life begins and I am convinced that you are going to live it with a smile and with all the illusion that you put into everything.

"All the best in this new stage !!! I love you a lot, friend, I'm going to miss a lot being with you on the pitch and when we get together with the National Team !!!"

Manchester City (Twitter):

"King Kun.

"Everyone at Manchester City would like to take this opportunity to thank

@aguerosergiokun for his incredible contribution to our success over the last decade and wish him well in his retirement."

Vincent Kompany (Twitter):

"An extraordinary striker has retired from the game, but also a great team mate, a friend and a unique personality. Thanks and respect to an authentic Man City phenomenon.

I wish you nothing but the best legend. @aguerosergiokun

#Aguerooooo"

David Silva (Twitter):

"Friend, I know it has been a difficult and hard decision that you have had to make but you leave like a LEGEND. For me it has been a pride to share so many moments together, on and off the field. You are my partner in crime!"

Kevin De Bruyne (Twitter):

"One of the best strikers ever! Want to wish you all the best for the future legend. See you soon! @aguerosergiokun"

John Terry (Twitter):

"One Of The Greatest @premierleague players EVER. @aguerosergiokun

LEGEND"

Joan Laporta:

“You have been a born goalscorer, recognised all over the world. You have done so much, not just in football, but also through your sympathy and the way you are.

“We would have liked it if you could have arrived earlier. When you played with Atletico, the Cules already envied you.

“Now, you collect the fruits of what you have sewn in this new chapter that starts now. We wish you the best.”

Real Madrid (Twitter):

"It was an honour to compete against a player like you,

@aguerosergiokun, one of the best players in the world. Best of luck to you and your family."