Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 due to a heart condition.

Aguero has not played since the end of October, when he was taken off during the first half of Barca's draw with Alaves after experiencing chest pain.

Barcelona later announced that the discomfort had been caused by an arrhythmia -- a broad term to describe any heart rhythm that is not completely normal -- that would require treatment over a three-month period.

The former Manchester City forward has since had regular cardiac exams to monitor his health, with the results advising him it would be a risk to carry on with his professional career.

He announced his retirement at a news conference on Wednesday, joined by Barca president Joan Laporta.

An emotional Aguero said: "This conference is to announce I have decided to stop playing professional football. It is a very difficult moment. The decision I have taken for my health; the problem I had a month and a half ago.

"I have been in good hands with the medical staff. I made the decision 10 days ago after doing everything possible to have some hope of playing on. I am very proud for my career. I always dreamed of a professional career since the first time I touched a ball at five.

 Aguero's great legacy is more than just his iconic goal.

Sergio Aguero scored the most memorable goal in Premier League history, an iconic moment, three minutes and 20 seconds into stoppage time against Queens Park Rangers in 2012. It sealed Manchester City's first title in 44 years and ensured that his name will always be associated with the ultimate drama and excitement that football can bring.

Sergio Aguero is the fourth-highest scoring player in Premier League history with 184 goals in 275 games, behind only Alan Shearer (260), Wayne Rooney (208) and Andrew Cole (187). He is also the league's highest-scoring overseas player, having registered nine more goals than Thierry Henry (175).