Clubs: CA Peñarol, Paris Saint-Germain FC, SL Benfica, FC Porto

• Nicknamed 'The Onion' because he is said to reduce his opponents to tears, Rodríguez made an early breakthrough with Peñarol while in his teens; won the 2003 Primera División title, scoring two goals in 21 appearances, but struggled with injury the following year.

• Announced his arrival on the international scene for Uruguay in October 2004, aged 19, with a stunning goal against Argentina (2-4) in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

• Moved to PSG in summer 2005 but obliged to wait several months before a FIFA ruling enabled him to make his debut; scored just one league goal in two seasons at the Parisian club and not involved in their 2006 French Cup final win.

• Impressed after joining Benfica on loan in 2007/08, scoring six league goals in 24 Liga outings; unable to agree a permanent deal, however, and joined Porto instead, winning the domestic double and reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in his first season.

• Made just one Liga start as Porto stormed to the 2010/11 Portuguese title − saw more action in the UEFA Europa League (11 appearances) but was not in the squad which defeated SC Braga in the final.

• A member of the Uruguay squad which triumphed at the 2011 Copa América in Argentina.