Uruguay's Diego Forlan retires from international football

Diego Forlan

Osaka, March 12: Uruguay's talismanic striker Diego Forlan announced his retirement from international football on Thursday.

The 35-year-old played 112 matches -- the highest for Uruguay. He represented his country in three World Cups in the 2002, 2010 and 2014 editions.

Forlan was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2010 World Cup and was joint top-scorer with five goals, bringing his international total to 36 since his World Cup debut in 2002.

"It was a privilege to enjoy the national team and be part of a group that gave so much to our country, wear the shirt with great people," Forlan said at a press conference.

Forlan was part of Uruguay's Copa America-winning side - the country's first in 16 years - in 2011.

Forlan, a former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid forward, is playing for Japanese club Cerezo Osaka.

The former Villarreal striker also retires as his country's second most-prolific goalscorer behind Luis Suarez (43).

Forlan's last international appearance was against Colombia in last year's World Cup in Brazil.