Diego Godin and Matias Vecino both paid tribute to Diego Forlan on Wednesday, after the former Inter striker announced his retirement from football aged 40.

Godin played with Forlan numerous times for the Uruguayan national team but also spent one season alongside him at Atletico Madrid.

Vecino never crossed paths professionally with Forlan, but nevertheless he wished to celebrate one of his nation’s finest talents in a generation.

“Diego, first of all I’d like to thank you for all the help you gave me both with Uruguay and Atletico, on the pitch and off it,” Godin tweeted.

“I also want to congratulate you for a brilliant career and thank you for being an example and a source of pride for all Uruguayans. I wish you the best for your new challenges.”

Vecino added on Instagram: “A great of our beloved Uruguayan football is retiring! Thank you Diego for all the joy you’ve given us!”