Cerezo Osaka striker Diego Forlan announced his retirement from international duty in a press conference on Thursday.

The 35-year-old will end his career for Uruguay having appeared in three World Cups and won the 2011 Copa America, scoring 36 goals in 112 appearances in the process.

Forlan, who represented Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter in his club career, will now focus solely on his J.League adventure.

“This was a difficult decision, but I felt that the time has come to make it,” the striker told reporters at Cerezo House.

“I consulted my family, and before making my decision public I spoke with [coach Oscar] Tabarez as well as my Uruguay teammates.

“I’m blessed to have appeared in three World Cups and three Copa Americas; the 2010 World Cup remains the pinnacle of my footballing career.

“We achieved a fourth place finish, I won the Golden Boot and was named MVP, and my goal against Germany was named the best goal of the tournament.”