At 33, Sergio Aguero had already seen out most of his career, winning multiple trophies and becoming one of the greatest Premier League goalscorers while playing for Manchester City.
But he still had ambitions to fulfil at Barcelona when forced into retirement in December 2021, following the diagnosis of a heart condition.
Announcing the decision to retire, Aguero said: “I'm proud of the career I've had and am fortunate it is happening to me now rather than before.
“I don't know what awaits me in the next life but I know there are a lot of people who love me and want the best for me.â€
Dean Ashton
A tackle from Shaun Wright-Phillips in England training was what ultimately ended the career of a really promising and exciting goalscorer.
Seven years after scoring *that* overhead kick at Old Trafford, and six years after retiring, Ashton went and did this in Mark Noble's testimonial.
Stuart Holden
A sad tale of events which began with a tackle from Jonny Evans at Old Trafford which left Holden with a fractured femur, cartilage damage and a gash which required 26 stitches.
Just Fontaine
French striker Fontaine earned the golden boot at the 1958 World Cup and came third in the Ballon D'Or in the same year.
In 283 club career appearances, Fontaine rattled in an incredible 259 goals, but it is he is remembered most fondly for his performances for France, scoring 13 at the aforementioned World Cup, and retiring with a record of 30 goals in 21 appearances for Les Bleus.
The French Football Federation named him as their best player of the last 50 years in 2003, while Pele named him as one of the 125 greatest living footballers. If only injuries didn't force his retirement at the age of 28.