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Kitchee SC
SportHong Kong

‘A beautiful stage closes full of great memories’ – former Uruguay and Kitchee striker Diego Forlan announces retirement

  • The 2010 Golden Ball winner is calling time on his playing career with his last club being Kitchee
  • The Uruguayan hero has played for Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico and Inter Milan

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Diego Forlan lifts the Hong Kong Premier League trophy while carrying baby daughter Luz, while his son Martin looks on in May 2018. Photo: Winson Wong
SCMP Reporter

Former Uruguay striker Diego Forlan, who became one of the most famous footballers to have played in Hong Kong when he starred for local club, Kitchee, has announced his retirement.

He made the announcement on Wednesday as he brought an end to a glittering 21-year career in which he played club soccer on three different continents.

The then 38-year-old Forlan played half a season for Kitchee, helping the club lift the Premier League title during the 2017-18 season.

When he played his last match for Kitchee in May 2018, more than 2,000 fans gave him a rousing send-off at Mong Kok Stadium, saying goodbye to the 2010 World Cup Golden Ball winner.

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The Uruguay star made seven appearances for Kitchee, scoring five goals. He also gave Kitchee extra punch in attack as the local side competed in the AFC Champions League for the first time in their history.

Forlan, who started his career in South America with Argentine club Independiente, played for major European teams such as Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan before ending his career in Asia.

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