Champion of England in 2003 with Manchester United, winner of the Europa League in 2010 with Atlético Madrid (2-1 ap against Fulham), and best player (Adidas Golden Ball) of the World Cup the same year (https://tinyurl.com/2he36dj2), ex-Céleste star Diego Forlan (112 caps, 36 goals) is preparing to play his first match on the professional… tennis circuit!
“A gift, a privilege and a luxury,” commented the former Atlético Madrid (198 matches, 96 goals, 31 assists) and Manchester United Madrid (98 matches, 17 goals, 9 assists) striker, aged 45 years old, during a press conference in Montevideo.
Forlan will be associated with the Argentinian Federico Coria, 32 years old, younger brother of Guillermo, finalist at Roland-Garros against his compatriot Gaston Gaudio in 2004, at the ATP challenger tournament in Montevideo (November 11-17).
“I never would have imagined it…”
“I never imagined that I would one day 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,” Forlan confessed, who promised to do his best, and to “have a good time” on the court.
“I try to prepare in the best possible way, but it is clear to me that I am not at the same level as professionals. Not to mention the age difference with the other players involved who all want to win,” continued the double top scorer in the Spanish championship in 2004-2005 (25 goals) with Villarreal, and in 2008-2009 with Atlético Madrid (32 goals).
Will he do better than Paolo Maldini?
Before the Uruguayan, AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, also benefiting from a wild card (invitation), had already played a tennis match on the professional circuit at the age of 49.
Associated with his tennis teacher Stefano Landonio, the five-time winner of the Champions League then lost in two dry sets (6-1, 6-1 in 42 minutes) against the Pole Tomasz Bednarek and the Dutchman David Pel, at first round of the 2017 Milan Challenger doubles tournament.
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