Alvaro Recoba joined by Carlos Valderrama, Juan Roman Riquelme and Javier Zanetti as retired Uruguayan celebrates testimonial

Former Inter Milan and Uruguay star Alvaro Recoba called time on his playing career in spectacular style on Thursday.

The 40-year-old officially retired from the game on Wednesday, despite not having played since departing Nacional in 2015.

And the left-footed winger, once the highest-paid player in world football, was joined by former greats Carlos Valderrama, Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Zanetti and Ivan Zamorano in a testimonial match in Montevideo.

Former Inter Milan and Uruguay star Alvaro Recoba called time on his playing career in spectacular style

The 40-year-old waves to the fans in Montevideo who came to watch his testimonial on Thursday night

He was joined by ex-greats including Carlos Valderrama during his 'Chino National Legend' farewell match

In a carnival atmosphere at the Estadio Gran Garque Central, the fomer Inter man offered a final reminder of his wondrous left foot when he confidently dispatched a penalty in the second-half, playing for Nacional.

Riquelme scored a delicious chipped Panenka penalty in the second half, while Recoba and Valderrama combined for a clever goal from a set-piece, as the Uruguayan lined up a free kick before sliding the ball to the Colombian, who finished calmly.

Valderrama scored twice in the end as the game ended 4-4, with Recoba appearing for both sides. 

The high-scoring affair, between Nacional and a team made up of 'friends of Recoba' was decorated by glowing tributes from his friends and family, and also current stars including countryman Luis Suarez and former Inter team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic. 

Speaking on Football Italia, Recoba insisted he had no regrets from his career:  'I was fortunate to play with so many champions, and I'll be forever grateful. 

Recoba poses with his former team-mates including Francesco Toldo (back row, second left), Ivan Zamorano (front row, fifth left) and Javier Zanetti (back row, sixth left)

Valderrama and Zanetti pose for a picture with Andres D'Alessandro after the entertaining game in Montevideo

The two stars pose with special shirts to honour Recoba on the pitch after the 4-4 draw on Thursday night

Toldo, Zanetti and Zamorano hold their former team-mate aloft in the dressing room after his testimonial

Thursday's testimonial game took place at the Estadio Gran Garque Central in Uruguayan capital Montevideo

Former Colombian star Carlos Valderrama and Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme lined up

'I was always happy during my career, because I was doing my hobby as my job, and I always just wanted to entertain people. 

'I have no regrets. If I made mistakes as people say, then they stay with me as an experience, with no regret.'

Recoba was able to play both in midfield and as a forward, and was well-known for his prowess from free-kicks and penchant for spectacular goals.

He made his Inter Milan debut back in 1997 alongside Brazilian wonderkid Ronaldo, scoring twice against Brescia in the final 10 minutes at the San Siro. 

After 248 appearances and 72 goals, Recoba had a brief spell at Torino and Greek side Panionios before returning to his native Uruguay with Danubio and then Nacional.

He won two Scudetti with Inter, as well as two Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup.

Recoba made 69 appearances for his country and featured at the 2002 World Cup, where he scored from the spot in a 3-3 group stage draw against Senegal. 

Among the guests at his testimonial were Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez, who came onto the pitch to embrace one of the country's greatest players.

Recoba's former team-mates at Inter Milan, Zanetti and goalkeeper Toldo were also present

Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez was in attendance to congratulate the playmaker, who won 69 caps

The now-retired Uruguayan poses alongside Valderrama, who played in his 'friends XI' on Thursday

Valderrama gives the thumbs up in a picture with Toldo, as stars gathered to honour Recoba's career

Recoba was a cultured left footed forward, who played 248 league games during his time with Inter Milan

The Uruguayan star is held aloft by a team-mate after helping his country qualify for the 2002 World Cup