Lionel Messi has sent an emotional message to Sergio Aguero after he retired from football on Tuesday morning.
The striker, who became a modern-day Premier League great at Manchester City, was forced to hang up his boots at the age of 33 following a heart scare during the first-half of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Alavés in October.
The former City star fell to the turf, holding his chest while in discomfort as club medics rushed on to give him treatment.
Following the conclusion of a "diagnostic and therapeutic process", Aguero has now walked away from football with an illustrious career under his belt.
Aguero became City's record goal-scorer with 260 goals in 390 games, winning five league titles in the process.
He moved to Barcelona in the summer to link up with his good friend Messi before his compatriot left for PSG due to Barca's financial crisis.
And now Aguero's partner in crime has sent him a heartfelt message following the news of his retirement.
He said on Instagram : "Practically a whole career together, Kun.
"We lived very beautiful moments and others that were not so, all of them made us unite more and more and be more friends. And we are going to continue living them together outside the field.
"With the great joy of lifting the Copa America so little ago, with all the achievements you achieved in England.
"And the truth is that now it hurts a lot to see how you have to stop doing what you like the most because of what happened to you.
"Surely you will continue to be happy because you are a person who transmits happiness and those of us who love you will be with you.
"Now a new stage of your life is starting and I am convinced that you are going to live it with a smile and with all the illusion that you put into everything.
"All the best in this new stage!!! I love you very much friend, I am going to miss a lot being with you on the field and when we get together with the National Team!!!"
Aguero was in tears as he announced the decision during a press conference in front of the likes of Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
He said: "I have decided to stop playing professional football, it is a very difficult moment, announced Aguero. "The decision I have made, I have taken it for my health, because of the problem I had a month and a half ago.
"I was in the hands of the medical staff and they told me the best thing would be to stop playing. So 10 days ago I made that decision, I want to tell everyone I did everything possible to have some hope but there wasn't much.
"I am very proud of the career I have had, I have always dreamt of playing football
"I never thought I would get to Europe, so I want to show my gratitude to everyone. From Atletico Madrid, who took a bet on me when I was 18 years old, to Manchester City, you all know how I feel about Man City, I'm very grateful they looked after me very well. I did everything the best I could there.
"And then everyone here at Barca. Everyone's been incredible. It's without doubt one of the best teams in the world. I'm very grateful.
"And then obviously the Argentinian national team. I'm very grateful for everyone here. People who worked with me. Also to my team-mates and most recently those at Barca. I think I always did my best to help them win.
"I want to thank my teammates who helped me to grow. I don't know what awaits me in the next life but I know there are loads of people who love me. And I'm grateful to the press that are here. Most of them have treated me well! But no worries, it's their work. I will remember all the amazing things, so thank you all."
