Aguero, the former Barcelona striker, has had a difficult time in recent years. His last two seasons at Manchester City were plagued by injuries, with only 24 league games in 19/20 and only 12 appearances in 20/21, and despite appearing to have recovered from his injuries, his performances were never as good as they could have been. Despite appearing to have recovered from his injuries, Aguero's performances were never quite up to scratch, and at the age of 33, he appears to be in the twilight of his career.
Manchester City chose not to renew Aguero's contract at the end of the 20/21 season, allowing him to join Barcelona as a free agent. Aguero's ten-year spell at City saw him win five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six League Cups, as well as winning the Golden Boot once. Aguero's departure marks an important part of City's rise over the last decade, as he won the Golden Boot once.
Aguero joined Barcelona originally because Barcelona promised that Lionel Messi would stay in the team and that he would be paired with him in the Argentine national team's forward line. This is very attractive to Aguero. Even at the age of 33, Aguero believes that Barcelona's attacking power will remain strong as long as he can team up with Messi. And, coming from Atletico Madrid, he's already familiar with the La Liga environment.
However, soon after Aguero joined Barcelona, La Liga officials cut Barcelona's salary cap. Even if Messi is willing to take a big pay cut, he can't fill Barcelona's salary black hole. In order to clear out the payroll space, Barcelona had to sell Messi, which eventually led to Messi's regrettable departure.
Aguero was shocked by this and it was a far cry from when Barcelona were negotiating a move for him. He felt cheated and was so angry that he refused to participate in pre-season training and rumored that he would not play for Barcelona. Aguero eventually calmed down after a number of efforts.
But Aguero's bad luck didn't end there. Before the season even started, he suffered an injury; he made his debut on October 18th, but was injured again soon after, and on October 31st, Aguero made his debut in the Liga MX against Alaves, but on the 41st minute, he suddenly felt a sharp pain, and put his hand over his heart, bending over and unable to stand up straight. The opposing team and the referee immediately recognized the problem, and the match was immediately interrupted, with the team doctor coming in to treat Aguero, who then fell to the ground, unable to get up. Fortunately, he remained conscious throughout the process and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The diagnosis revealed that Aguero was suffering from arrhythmia, a complex problem that may prevent him from continuing his career. At the time Aguero denied the news of retirement, stating that he would try to return to competition. But after more than a month of trying, it was finally determined that he was no longer physically capable of competing at a high level of intensity.
Aguero held a press conference yesterday and tearfully announced that he would be retiring.
It was so sudden, Aguero was 33 years old and found out late in his career that he had a serious heart problem. It's a sad way to end a career. Heart problems have always been an invisible bomb for athletes and difficult to diagnose. Many athletes, including Danish midfielder Eriksen, who had an accident at the European Championships, were almost always healthy before their accident.
Aguero said in a press conference that the issue happened when he was 33, not earlier. He is proud of his career.
At least Aguero made it through most of his career before suffering a heart problem. Moreover, the problem was not life-threatening at the time it occurred, and he was able to receive a medical diagnosis in time to make the right decision and begin treatment before the condition worsened.
In the end, Aguero only made five appearances for Barcelona before announcing he was hanging up his boots.
Aguero has shown great shot-stopping ability since his debut, playing as a second striker in a 442 formation early on and also playing left and right in a 433 formation. He is characterized by his explosiveness and speed, and is adept at cutting quickly into the center of the field to shoot. His box draws and sweeping shots were both quick and accurate, and became his claim to fame.
(Goals scored during the Atletico Madrid era, exactly 100 goals)
At City, Aguero went through a number of managers before eventually becoming a tactical winger under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. His constant penetration and distribution of the ball in the center and on the left helped City develop a strong forward penetration and destructive force. This was a key factor in City sealing the title with 100 points in the 17/18 season.
(Aguero's total of 260 goals at City)
Messi was also saddened by Aguero's retirement and posted a message to send off and wish the teammate well.
One of the most memorable moments of Aguero's career would have to be the final game of the 11/12 season. At the time they were exactly level on points with Manchester United in the table, but United beat Sunderland in the final game. At City, despite leading at half time, they were overtaken 1-2 in the second half. Dzeko scored the equalizer near the end of the game, and then at 93:20, Aguero received a pass barely made by Balotelli and raced into the box from the right side to avoid a shanked shot. It was this eventual winner that put City on 89 points with United and ultimately secured the Premier League title on goal difference. Because of the five minutes of extra time, Aguero's goal was dubbed 90+5, making it one of the most talked about of his countless goals in the Premier League.
Goodbye Aguero, and all the best for the future.
