Camacho backs Forlan for Ballon d’Or
Atletico Madrid midfielder Ignacio Camacho has backed his club teammate Diego Forlan to secure the much coveted Ballon d’Or prize this year. Camacho claimed it would be proud moment for everyone associated with Atletico if the Uruguayan was to be named European Footballer of the Year.
The 20-year-old stated: "It would be unfair to say that Diego Forlan does not deserve the Ballon d’Or, and we would be proud if he got it."
Forlan, who enjoyed an exceptional World Cup out in South Africa, where he not only netted on five occasions, but went on to be named the tournament’s most outstanding individual, claiming the Golden Ball prize. This, along with another excellent campaign with his club side has led to the 31-year-old to be amongst the favourites for the Ballon d’Or prize. His vital goals in both legs of the Europa League semi-final against Liverpool, plus a brace in the final itself, were arguably Forlan’s finest hours before his fantastic World Cup performances, in what has been a memorable year for the former Villarreal man.
The Uruguayan has had an eventful career. His transfer to Manchester United for around seven million pounds back in 2002 was supposed to be his big break, but he infamously floundered and was transferred to Spanish side Villarreal in an attempt to resurrect his career. The renaissance was astonishing, as he ended his first campaign in La Liga as top goalscorer and a joint winner of the European Golden Boot. This form saw him net a big money move to Atletico after three seasons with the Yellow Submarine, and has since gone one to record another European Golden Boot as well as topping the La Liga goalscoring charts once more.
He will go down as one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest mistakes. The Scot is well-known for letting players depart from Old Trafford at just the right time, but Forlan has gone on to prove himself as one of Europe’s top marksmen. Whether he can round it all off with a Ballon d’Or remains to be seen, but for Fergie, he’ll always be the one that got away.
Tags: