Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho paid tributes to Argentine striker Sergio Aguero after the latter announced his retirement from football on Wednesday.
Fighting back tears, Aguero confirmed in front of an intimate audience of friends, family and teammates that he could not go on as a professional player.
“I have decided to stop playing professional football,” the 33-year-old Barcelona striker said.
The player, who was diagnosed with heart problem, last played for Barcelona against Alaves in La Liga on October 30.
Iheanacho, who played alongside Aguero at Manchester City for two seasons, tweeted: “Gracias Kun Aguero good luck in the future Legend.”
Aguero’s Argentine teammate Lionel Messi said in a lengthy Instagram post, “Practically a whole career together, Kun… We’ve had some great moments and others that weren’t so great, but all of them have made us grow closer and become better friends. And we’re going to continue spending them together off the pitch.”
Aside from Iheanacho, the likes of John Terry, Franck Ribery, Kevin de Bryune and many others all paid glowing tributes to Aguero.
“One of the best strikers ever,” De Bruyne wrote on Twitter.
Ex-Ivorian playmaker Yaya Toure also paid tributes to his former City teammate on Instagram.
“Sergio, my friend. I am sad to see you retire today but I am also excited for your future. You have so much still to offer the game. We shared many great times on the pitch and I feel blessed to have been your teammate. You will go down as one of the greatest ever and I can say playing alongside you was an honour!” he said.
