Former Man United star, 46, is rushed to hospital after suffering partially-collapsed lung and multiple broken ribs during veterans game

Former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan was rushed to hospital during veterans match on Saturday after suffering three broken ribs and a tear in his lung.

Forlan, 46, was playing for Old Boys in Uruguay's over-40s league when he collided with an opponent while attempting a shot during his side's 4-1 win over Old Christians.

After being tackled by the opposition player, the Uruguayan fell to the floor painfully before writhing around in agony, having suffered the concerning injuries.

Forlan was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with three broken ribs and a partially-collapsed lung, confirmed by the player in WhatsApp messages obtained by Spanish newspaper El Pais.

'They are going to admit me and put a tube in to drain it. I will remain in the hospital until Tuesday. In 20 years as a professional, this has never happened to me,' he said.

The ex-Red Devils striker, who enjoyed a two-year stint at Old Trafford between 2002 and 2004, went on to urge that the player who tackled him was not to blame for the injuries.

'I see that I beat Quique and I see Josema going inside. And then I hook it inside, so that I am left on my left foot and I hit it (the ball). 

'That's when Josema comes out to block the shot, I hit it, jump, and then either I touch it or Josema touches me, but it was the play, it wasn't his fault. 

'The truth is that it wasn't his fault and that's where I was left off balance, he unbalanced me and I was left in the air. And my hand stayed there, as if I couldn't get my hand out to support myself and I fell like a sack of potatoes.'

He added: 'My hand ended up below my chest, and it ended up breaking my ribs. 

'When I fell, I said, "Thank goodness I didn't hurt my wrist." But right away, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't find air, I couldn't find a position. It was a constant pain that wouldn't go away. It didn't go away until I got to the hospital.'

Forlan has continued to remain active during his retirement, having taken part in a professional tennis tournament last year.

The former footballer made his professional ATP Challenger Tour debut in November last year after being handed a wildcard for the Uruguay Open in Montevideo. 

The ex-Uruguay international received a warm reception from home fans as he partnered Argentine star Federico Coria in a doubles match against Bolivian duo Boris Arias and Federico Zeballos, before suffering a 6-1 6-2 defeat.

'Everyone starts to speculate when you start a new career, right?' Forlan told reporters after the match. 

'The next thing is to keep playing, enjoying, and playing at the ITF level, where there is really good competition. The truth is that it's a delightful experience.'