Diego Forlan Announces Retirement from Football

Former Manchester United and Uruguay forward Diego Forlan has announced his retirement from professional football following a glittering career. 

Forlan took to Twitter to announce his decision. “After 21 years I made the decision to end my career as a professional footballer,” he wrote. “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.”

The 40-year-old striker played 112 games for his national side whilst having spells at Atletico Madrid, Villareal and Inter Milan. He last played for Kitchee in Hong Kong in 2018. 

Hailed as one the best forwards of his time, Diego Forlan had an impact wherever he went. He spent four years at Manchester United, lifting the Premier League trophy and the FA Cup. Fans will remember his iconic double against arch-rivals Liverpool at Anfield in 2002. 

With Uruguay, Forlan won the Copa America in 2011 and was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa owing to his brilliant performances. The forward is Uruguay’s third-highest goalscorer of all time with 36 goals behind Barcelona’s Luis Suarez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani. 

Suarez paid tribute to his former international teammate on Twitter. “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,” he wrote.

“I will always be grateful for what you taught me, both on and off the field, 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.”