Sergio Aguero hung up his boots under emotional circumstances five years ago, yet the former Manchester City striker insists he has not a single regret about life after football.

Over a decade at the top of the Premier League, Aguero cemented his place as Manchester City's greatest ever goalscorer before a heart condition forced him into early retirement shortly after he signed for Barcelona in 2021. Now, with the noise of his playing days long faded, he has embraced the quieter life with open arms.

No longing for the pitch

"It's five years now since I retired, but luckily I don't miss playing," Aguero told FourFourTwo. "I do sometimes think 'Well, it would be nice to go and play for a bit', but no, it's not like I'm anxious about it."

Across nearly two decades, Aguero competed at the highest level in Argentina, Spain, and England, accumulating 101 caps for the Argentina national side. The transition away from elite football, which humbles many former professionals, has proven surprisingly smooth for him.

"I'm retired, I'm very comfortable, I do things I enjoy and have a great time," he said. "Today I enjoy watching good games, and it's not a problem that I don't go on to the pitch any more."

A role at the World Cup and life beyond the game

Aguero has kept himself close to the sport in other ways. At the most recent FIFA World Cup, he served as an ambassador for FIFA Hospitality — a role he found deeply rewarding. "I was very happy about that, because I was treated very well," he said.

City fans wherever he goes

His bond with Manchester City and its supporters remains as strong as ever, even if visits to the Etihad Stadium have become infrequent. He described warm encounters with City fans scattered across the globe — including, to his delight, in Argentina itself.

"Once, I was having dinner, and there were two English people who supported Manchester City, and they were very happy to see me!" he recalled. "Wherever I am in the world, City fans treat me well, and it's the same whenever I go to Manchester, even though I don't go there often now. I'm always thrilled to be with my people."

For a man who scored 260 goals for Manchester City and defined an era at the club, contentment — not nostalgia — appears to be the defining mood of Aguero's post-playing life.