Ex-Manchester United striker Diego Forlan announces retirement from football

Diego Forlan has finally called time on his distinguished career.

The 40-year-old Uruguay legend has announced his retirement from professional football with an emotional social media post.

Forlan, who represented a number of high-profile clubs during his 21-year career, including Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, released a statement on Wednesday via his Twitter account, informing the world of his decision.

Luego de 21 años tomé la decisión de poner fin a mi carrera como futbolista profesional. Se cierra una linda etapa llena de grandes recuerdos y emociones pero comenzará otra de nuevos desafíos.

¡Gracias a todos los que de una u otra manera me acompañaron en este camino! 👋🏼 🔟 pic.twitter.com/gVwX0RQJow

— Diego Forlán (@DiegoForlan7) August 7, 2019

In the tweet, Forlan said: "After 21 years I made the decision to end my career as a professional footballer. A beautiful stage closes full of great memories and emotions but another of new challenges will begin.

Thanks to all who in one way or another accompanied me on this path! 👋🏼🔟"

Uruguay's Diego Forlan (right) and his teammates celebrate winning the penalty shootout

Forlan earned over a century of caps for his beloved Uruguay and won the prestigious Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup, where Uruguay reached the semi-final.

The striker was prolific throughout his career at club level, particularly during his time in Spain with Villarreal and Atletico as he notched 128 goals in La Liga over this period.

His domestic form transferred to the European stage, too, as Forlan led Atletico to the Europa League title in 2010, scoring twice in the final in an extra-time victory over Roy Hodgson's Fulham.

Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan scores his sides second goal of the game

Forlan broke through in Argentina at Independiente before coming to prominence in Europe when moving to Manchester United in January 2002 for just shy of £7 million.

Despite winning the Premier League and FA Cup in his two seasons at Old Trafford and scoring a couple of famous goals at Anfield against Liverpool, it never really happened for Forlan at United, with the Uruguayan struggling to adapt to English football.

Nevertheless, Forlan went on to enjoy a stunning career.

Manchester United's Diego Forlan celebrates scoring their winning goal as Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini is beaten

After his incredibly successful time in Spain, Forlan went on to play for a number of additional sides, including; Inter Milan, Internacional, Cerezo Osaka, Peñarol, Mumbai City and, most recently, Kitchee in Hong Kong.

The tributes have been flowing for Forlan, chief among them courtesy of his former international teammate, Luis Suarez, who took to Twitter to mark the end of an era.

tanto dentro como fuera de la cancha, un sueño haber jugado con uno de mis ÍDOLOS. Serás siempre una LEYENDA en Uruguay. MUCHO ÉXITO EN TUS NUEVOS DESAFÍOS, AMIGO 🔝🔝🔝🔝👏👏👏👏 @DiegoForlan7 #orgullouruguayo #leyendauruguaya #amigogoleador pic.twitter.com/1bkGGoKG62

— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) August 7, 2019

The Barcelona forward said: "both on and off the court, a dream to have played with one of my IDOLS. You will always be a LEGEND in Uruguay. A LOT OF SUCCESS IN YOUR NEW CHALLENGES, FRIEND 🔝🔝🔝🔝👏👏👏👏".

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