The former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan has announced his retirement just at the age of 40.
image source
This Uruguaya national, who has been playing in Hong Kong, said: “I have decided to stop playing professionally.
I have received offers to keep playing, I was looking for excuses but I am no longer competitive and it has become too difficult.”
Forlan won the title with United in 2003 and the Europa League with Atletico Madrid in 2010. Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan has announced his retirement at the age of 40.
Forlan ensured his name would be etched into the memory of Manchester United fans in December 2002 when he scored twice against Liverpool at Anfield.
He netted in the 64th and 67th minutes - the first courtesy of a howler by home keeper Jerzy Dudek - to secure a 2-1 win over United's Premier League rivals.
Now this is interesting that Forlan may well be best remembered for celebrating - rather than scoring - a goal for United.
Coming on as a 79th-minute substitute, the then 23-year-old smashed in a brilliant shot to seal victory over Southampton in November 2002.
He ripped off his shirt in celebration - but was unable to put it back on before the game restarted and played on topless, even making a tackle.
With Uruguay, Forlan was a Copa America champion in 2011.
He was also able to win the Golden Ball - awarded to the tournament's best player at the 2010 World Cup as they finished fourth.
He is Uruguay's third-highest goalscorer - netting 36 times in 112 caps - behind Suarez and Paris St-Germain's Edinson Cavani.
He retired from international football in 2015. It is surprising as other players are retiring others are sketching for playing opportunities.