Buenos Aires, Jan 8 (IANS): Uruguayan forward Rodrigo Mora announced his retirement over the weekend after being cut from River Plate's pre-season roster.

"This was one of the saddest days of my life. The pain is constant and I can't keep going. I gave it my all and today I have to face reality, I can't play soccer anymore," the 31-year-old said in a WhatsApp post, reports Efe.

"There's a knot in my chest and a feeling that's impossible to explain. I would've liked to retire differently. I know tough times are coming. There are many decisions to make ... but I want to Thank everybody. My son, my family, my friends, teammates, coaches, executives and fans for all the love and support they've given me," the forward added.

Mora spent time with Uruguay's Juventud Las Piedras, Defensor Sporting, Cerro and Peñarol; Portugal's Benfica; Chile's Universidad; and River Plate.

The forward suffered many injuries in recent years, including a severe hip injury in 2017 that required a long recovery time.

In 2018, Mora added a second Copa Libertadores title to his list of accomplishments with River, with which he also won a Copa Sudamericana; two Recopas Sudamericanas; a Copa Suruga Bank; two Copas Argentinas; and one Supercopa Argentina.

Mora also won two Uruguayan tournaments with Defensor Sporting.