Ex-uruguay striker Forlan brings to an end a 21-year career

MONTEVIDEO: Former Uruguay striker Diego Forlan has announced his retirement, bringing to an end a 21-year career in which he played club soccer on three different continents.

Forlan, who started his career in South America with Argentine club Independiente, played for major European teams such as Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan before ending his career in Asia.

“Ater 21 years I made the decision to end my career as a professional footballer,” Forlan said in a statement.

“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!”

Forlanspokeabouthisdecisiononthetelemundo 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 Penarol, but it did not happen, the negotiations did not come to fruition. I would have loved it.”

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.

Forlan won the Premier League and FA Cup with United before moving to Spain where he helped Atletico win the Europa League in 2010 with a double in the final against Fulham.

He also scored 36 goals in 112 games for Uruguay, helping them to the Copa America title in 2011, grabbing another two goals in a final, when they beat Paraguay 3-0.

Ater his time in England, Forlan moved to Spain where he became a prolific goalscorer in La Liga for both Villarreal and Atlético.

Forlan, 40, was also instrumental in Uruguay’s run to the 2010 World Cup semi-finals, where he was awarded the Golden Ball for best player at the tournament and finished as one of the tournament’s top scorers with five goals.

Luis Suarez, whom he forged a prolific strike partnership with for Uruguay, praised Forlan 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.”

Ater a short stint in the Indian Super League with Mumbai City in 2016, he last played for Hong Kong Premier League side Kitchee Sports Club last year, wrapping up a career where he scored over 250 goals for club and country.