Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero will not be rushed into a decision on retirement after a report suggested his heart condition could force him to hang his boots up at the age of 33, sources have told ESPN.
Aguero first experienced chest pain in Barca's draw with Alaves on Oct. 30. The Catalan club later announced that the discomfort had been caused by a heart arrhythmia, which would require treatment over a three-month period.
Sources close to Aguero and Barca stress that is still the case, with the Argentina international undergoing regular cardiac exams to monitor his health.
Catalunya Radio, though, reported on Friday that the latest tests have revealed Aguero's heart problem is worse than initially feared and could bring a premature end to his career.
However, sources told ESPN that while the condition should not be downplayed, it would be irresponsible to draw conclusions until Aguero has finished the initial three-month treatment process.
Aguero responded to the report and tweeted on Friday: "Given the rumours I can tell you that I am following the indications from the club's medical team, having tests and treatment and seeing how I evolve during the 90 day process."
An arrhythmia is a very broad term to describe any heart rhythm that is not completely normal. They can be treated and even cured, but they can also be more serious, especially if left untreated.
Aguero was making just his second start for Barca against Alaves after joining from Manchester City on a free transfer in the summer.
A calf injury ruled him out for the first two months of the season, but he returned in October, scoring off the bench in the Clasico against Real Madrid.
He was taken off in the first half of the 1-1 draw with Alaves and immediately taken to hospital, where the arrhythmia was diagnosed.
Barca suffered another scare last week when it was revealed Caroline Graham Hansen, who plays for the club's women's team, would also need to undergo a cardiac exam.
However, tests revealed that the Norway international's condition is not as serious as Aguero's and she will be reintegrated into training next week.
SOURCE : Espn
