Uruguay’s Forlan Believes he and Rooney Could Have been a Formidable Force at Manchester United
The World Cup has now passed and for the first time the whole world really got to see what Diego Forlan is all about. He performed brilliantly in South Africa and led his country Uruguay to the last four. He has also been a great striker for Atletico Madrid. However, Forlan believes he could have formed a ‘devastating’ duo with Wayne Rooney had he stayed at Manchester United.
The Uruguayan star was a part of Manchester for two seasons, which were very difficult for him. It took Forlan a while to get off the mark with the club and was even called “Diego Forlorn” during that time. It's interesting how quickly things can change in the world of sports.
Forlan was sold to Villarreal in 2004 to make way for the Red Devils acquisition of Wayne Rooney from Everton. Forlan expresses his belief that he and Rooney could have forged an irresistible force for the English club.
"I was very young at Manchester United, and I feel that I was just starting to find my feet when I was sold and Rooney was brought in," stated Forlan.
"If we had been paired together I think we could have formed the most devastating strike partnership in Europe, but it wasn’t to be, he added.
Forlan also said, "I feel I have nothing to prove at all, my scoring rate in La Liga speaks for itself. My average is well over a goal in two games, and in the toughest league in the world, it speaks for itself."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he had to send Forlan away because he felt the partnership with Ruud van Nistelrooy was not working out the way he hoped. He wishes he could have kept Forlan around, but he felt the move was best for all parties.
"We’re all proud of Diego, but the combination of him and Ruud just did not work and I think he always wanted to get to Spain at some point in his career," Ferguson said. "We sold him too cheaply and he was very unlucky with us."
Once Forlan made the move to Spain, he reestablished himself as the goal scorer everyone thought he could be. In his runs with both Villarreal and Atletico he has emerged as a terrific forward. He has also certainly showed what he’s made of on the international stage.
Forlan's brilliance at the 2010 World Cup led the surprising Uruguayans all the way to the semi-finals. It was La Celeste’s first run to the semi-final since 1970.
Several teams from the Premier League have expressed interest in bringing Forlan in to improve their Champions League prospects, Tottenham in particular.
Forlan, however, is not interested in returning to the Premier League. In fact, he has insisted that he never wants to play in England again.
"Tottenham are a club who are going in the right direction, but I have no interest in joining the Premier League with any club," said Forlan. "For a start, Spain is much hotter and also it is my home now."
"We have a great team at Atletico and next season we will be aiming for a top-four finish. We have some very exciting young players and I am excited for the season," said Forlan.
England has missed its chance with the South American stud. Sometimes, though, things just don’t work out for a player in one location and Forlan seems to be right at home in Spain. Forlan showed what he can do on the big stage and will likely continue to light up La Liga for the next few years.
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