Montevideo: Uruguay great Diego Forlan, who played for Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, has retired from the professional game. Forlan, 40, who also played for the likes of Inter and Villarreal, along with a memorable run with Atletico Madrid during a fine career in Europe, confirmed his retirement on Tuesday.

'Great memories'
Taking to Twitter to reveal his decision, Forlan 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 spoke about his decision on the US TV channel, TeleMundo. "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.