MONTEVIDEO, Aug. 7 -- Former Uruguay international striker Diego Forlan has announced his retirement from football after a professional career spanning more than two decades.

The 40-year-old has not played since parting ways with Hong Kong outfit Kitchee in May last year and says he is ready to seek new challenges.

"After 21 years I've made the decision to end my career as a professional footballer," Forlan said in a statement.

"A beautiful stage has ended, 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."

Voted the best player of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Forlan's career included spells at Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Villarreal.

He was capped 112 for Uruguay, scoring 36 goals.

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