Forlan, symbol of Uruguay renaissance, quits national team

Uruguay's Diego Forlan watches the ball during their 2014 World Cup Group Dsoccer match against Costa Rica at the Castelao stadium in Fortaleza June 14, 2014. REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo

MONTEVIDEO (Reuters) - Diego Forlan, whose fine performances and five goals helped Uruguay finish fourth in the 2010 World Cup, announced his retirement from international football on Thursday.

Forlan, who scored 36 goals in 112 matches for Uruguay during a 13-year international career that included three World Cups, announced his decision at a news conference in Japan where he plays for Cerezo Osaka.