Diego Forlan Announces Retirement At 40

At the age of 40, former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker, Diego Forlán, announced his retirement on Wednesday, drawing the curtains on a 21-year career.

The former Uruguay forward, who also turned for Villarreal and Internazionale, revealed his decision via Twitter, writing: “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!”

Signed for United from Independiente, the Argentinian club, for £6.9m in January 2002, Forlan endured a torrid time in front of goal, scoring only 17 times in 98 appearances but went on to forge a reputation as a prolific goalscorer in La Liga for both Villarreal and Atlético.

For his beloved Uruguay, he contributed 36 goals in 112 games, notably helping them to win the 2011 Copa América title and leading them to the semi-final of the World Cup a year earlier in South Africa, where he was awarded the Golden Ball award.

Paying tribute to the retiring finisher, his longtime partner in the Uruguay national team and Barcelona striker, Luis Suárez, said: “I will never forget how you treated me from the beginning, I am grateful for the moments shared with you. Love you very much.”