Ex-Man Utd and Atletico Madrid star Diego Forlan retires from football aged 40 after 22-year career
DIEGO FORLAN has announced his retirement from football after a 22-year career that spanned nine countries.
British fans first knew of the striker as the little-known Uruguayan who signed for Manchester United from Independiente in 2002.
However it is at La Liga clubs Villarreal and Atletico Madrid where he will be most fondly remembered.
In seven years at the Spanish pair, he netted a combined 154 goals having scored just 17 times for United.
Speaking to Telemundo about his decision, Forlan, 40, said: "It hasn't been easy, I didn't want the time to come, but I knew it was going to come.
"I have decided to stop playing football professionally."
He won league titles in England, Hong Kong and his native Uruguay, as well as the 2010 Europa League with Atletico.
But it was on the international stage where the forward showed his best performances.
Forlan won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup while netting in the quarter-final, semi-final and third-placed play-off.
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And he helped Uruguay win the Copa America the year after.
Strike partner Luis Suarez paid tribute to his role in the team upon his retirement, stating: "Historic for Uruguayan football. Grateful for all the unforgettable moments you made all Uruguayans live, both in the national team and in all the teams you played."
A stint at Inter Milan rounded off Forlan's stay in Europe before turning out for Cerezo Osaka, Penarol, Mumbai City and Hong Kong club Kitchee.