#INSERT type:image caption:Diego Forlan said it had been a 'very difficult decision' to retire from international football. END#
Diego Forlan has announced his retirement from the Uruguay team after an international career that saw him score 36 times in 112 games and win the Copa America in 2011.
Forlan, whose five goals at the 2010 World Cup helped his country to finish in fourth place, currently plays for Japanese club Cerezo Osaka.
His two goals in the 2011 Copa final landed Uruguay a record 15th title.
Speaking at a news conference, the 35-year-old said it had been "a very difficult decision" to retire "having worn the Uruguay shirt for so many years -- more than I could have dreamed of."
But the former Manchester United, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid player explained: "I believe it's important to make way for the new generation."
Forlan, whose father and grandfather were both also Uruguay internationals, made his last appearance for Uruguay at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.
Explaining his decision to newspaper The National, he said: "I've experienced some of the great moments in my life representing my country.
"I'm 35, I've had a great time with Uruguay and feel it's time to let the emerging players have the type of opportunities which I received when I was a young player."
He said coach Oscar Tabarez "understood what I said, and agreed that it's good to be remembered for what I'd done when I was at my best."