'A beautiful stage closes': Diego Forlán retires after 21-year playing career

The former Manchester United and Uruguay forward Diego Forlán has announced his retirement. The 40-year-old, who also played for Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Internazionale, revealed his decision on Twitter.

He wrote: “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!”

Forlan moved to Manchester United from Argentine side Independiente for £6.9m in January 2002. He had to wait until September to score his first goal, and went on to find the net 17 times in 98 appearances.

Although his time at Old Trafford was not exactly a roaring success, Forlán became a prolific goalscorer in La Liga for both Villarreal and Atlético. He also scored 36 goals in 112 games for Uruguay, helping them to the Copa América title in 2011.

Forlán spoke about his decision on the TeleMundo TV channel. “What I lived in these 21 years ... I have no words. I never imagined. It is much, much, much more than what I dreamed as a child,” he said. “It would have been nice to close my career in Peñarol, but it did not happen, the negotiations did not come to fruition. I would have loved it.”

Forlán won the Golden Ball award for the best player at the 2010 World Cup - where Uruguay reached the semi-finals. He wound down his career with boyhood club Penarol, Mumbai City and most recently Kitchee in Hong Kong.

Luis Suárez, whom he forged a prolific strike partnership with for Uruguay, praised Forlán for helping him develop with the national team: “I will never forget how you treated me from the beginning, I am grateful for the moments shared with you. Love you very much.”