Sergio Aguero says he felt like he was ‘DROWNING’ and ‘about to faint’ during final Barcelona game that saw him struggling to breathe before retiring aged 33 due to heart condition

Sergio Aguero has opened up about how he felt during his last game for Barcelona, ​​explaining how he suffered from chest pain and dizziness before being taken off the pitch.

Aguero was diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia after suffering chest pain 41 minutes into his first start for Barcelona after joining the Catalans on a free transfer from Manchester City.

The striker required medical attention on the pitch shortly before half-time after complaining of dizziness and shortness of breath during Barcelona’s 2021 clash with Alaves.

The striker was initially told to rest for three months but decided to announce his retirement from professional football at a ‘special ceremony’ at Camp Nou after receiving additional test results.

Aguero detailed exactly how he felt during the match, claiming it was like he was ‘drowning’ and ‘about to pass out’ before revealing he had experienced the same problems in training a week earlier.

Aguero was diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia after suffering chest pain 41 minutes into his first start for Barcelona after joining the Catalans on a free transfer from Manchester City

The forward required medical attention on the pitch shortly before half-time after complaining of dizziness and shortness of breath during Barcelona’s 2021 clash with Alaves.

Speak with Clankmedia, Aguero said: ‘I felt like I was drowning, I didn’t feel any pain. I had a lot of pressure in my head. I thought it was because I was physically ill and I thought, ‘S**t, I’m so bad.’

‘I jumped for a header. They went to the counter and I started to feel dizzy. I felt like I was going to pass out and I wanted to calm down. I wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out. I grabbed the Alaves captain’s hand as if to say, ‘Stop the game.’ He started yelling and they stopped the game.

‘When I calmed down, it felt like my heart started beating faster. That’s where the arrhythmia attack got me. It happened to me a week earlier during training, but it only lasted twenty seconds.’

Aguero announced his decision to retire from football during an emotional press conference at Camp Nou in December 2021, with the likes of Pep Guardiola flying in for the event.

“This press conference is to announce that I have decided to stop playing professional football,” he said at the start of his speech, confirming that there was no return.

‘This is a difficult moment for me, but my health must come first. I did everything I could to see if there was any hope, but there was none. I am very proud of my career.

‘From the age of five I always wanted to play football. Atletico put their trust in me when I was only 18. And then I went to City and everyone knows what that club means to me.

‘Then I got a call from Barcelona and they treated me well. I did my best to help Barcelona. I leave with my head held high. I don’t know what awaits me, but it will certainly be a different life.’

The striker was initially told to rest for three months after his test results came back

However, Aguero announced his decision to retire from football during a press conference at Camp Nou

Joan Laporta also spoke briefly at the 2021 event, telling Aguero: “I wish you had arrived sooner. When you were at Atletico Madrid, we all wanted you here; we were jealous.’

Asked about the best moments of his career, Aguero first talked about a famous goal he scored for Independiente in Argentina against Racing when he was just 16, and then about helping Atletico Madrid secure the Europa League against Fulham in 2010.

The 35-year-old former Argentina international added: ‘The goal against Queen’s Park Rangers because it meant I won my first Premier League and City won their first Premier League.’

There were also mentions for his part in winning the Copa America alongside Lionel Messi, who he thought he was working with when he moved to Barcelona for Messi to move to Paris Saint Germain. And his last goal ever: for Barcelona against Real Madrid.

Asked if it was easier to know that the problem had forced him to retire at the end of his career and not at the beginning, he said: “Yes, it is better that way and I am very happy with the career that I’ve had.’