A few days before his first tennis match on the professional circuit, “a privilege”, former Uruguayan Football star Diego Forlan judged that he had “nothing to prove”.
“I enjoy (tennis) like a little boy and having the privilege of playing in a professional tournament is a luxury”said the former striker of theAtlético de Madrid and of Manchester Unitedaged 45, during a press conference given Tuesday in Montevideo.
Champion of England in 2003, best player in the World Cup and winner of the Ligue Europa in 2010, Forlan was invited to line up in doubles at Challenger de Montevideo (November 11-17), where he will be associated with the Argentinian Federico Coriayounger brother of Guillermofinalist at Roland-Garros in 2004.
This first appearance in a professional tournament “is a gift, so I have nothing to prove to anyone (…) I try to prepare in the best possible way, but it is clear to me that I am not at the same level as professional players “he continued.
In addition to the age difference “significant” with the other players involved, “everyone who comes here comes to win”insisted the double top scorer in the Spanish championship.
“I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to play tennis at a professional level. It's a sport that I play and enjoy, but I don't master it like football.”the conclusion Forlanwho promised to do his best and “have a good time” on the court.
Before the Uruguayan, the ex-star ofAC Milan Paolo Maldini had already played a tennis match on the professional circuit in June 2017, also benefiting from an invitation.
Associated with his tennis teacher Stefano Landoniothe five-time winner of the Champions League lost in two straight sets (6-1, 6-1) in the first round of the doubles tournament Milan Challenger.
