Man United cult hero Diego Forlan set for shock career change as announcement made
Former Man United striker Diego Forlan has entered a tennis tournament in Uruguay next month
Ex-Manchester United forward Diego Forlan is taking his racket skills to new heights by entering a professional tennis tournament previously won by Grand Slam champion Juan Martin Del Potro.
The Uruguayan, who also made a mark at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid during his football career, has transitioned to the tennis court since hanging up his boots. Now 45 years of age, Forlan's tennis ventures have seen him compete on the ITF masters tour, establishing his credentials in the 35+, 40+, and 45+ brackets.
Next on his agenda is the Uruguay Open, where he's teaming up with Argentina's Federico Coria, an established professional player who's reached world number 49 and sits comfortably at 78 today. Their collaborative effort will be showcased at the doubles event of the upcoming tournament, scheduled from November 11 to November 17, an inclusion that is raising the organisers' excitement levels.
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Forlan's previous sporting efforts led to a quarterfinal berth at the ITF MT1000 Lima 45+ tournament in Peru earlier this year, demonstrating his notable cross-sport adeptness.
The announcement of his participation said: "Attention tennis and sports fans! This year at the Uruguay Open, we have an UNMISSABLE duo in doubles: Argentine tennis player Federico Coria (currently number 78 in the ATP ranking) and former Uruguayan football player Diego Forlan.
"Yes, our number 10 is smashing it in tennis too! This year, Forlan has competed in more than three +40 tournaments in Montevideo, also standing out in the MT1000 in Lima of the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour.
"Fun fact: Forlán is left-handed at tennis, the opposite to how he played football, and his right-hand stroke is the most powerful. What do you think of this news? Do you have faith in this duo?" Coria responded to the news by posting: "Uffff, the double of the year".
Forlan's post-football career has taken an intriguing turn with a jump into the world of tennis, showcasing a peculiar twist; he plays tennis left-handed, contrary to his right-footed football prowess.
It represents a remarkable shift for Forlan, who achieved considerable success on the football pitch. The former striker secured a transfer to United in January 2002, and although it was a wait until the next October before he notched his first Premier League goal, he eventually bagged a league title and an FA Cup win with the club.
Forlan's trophy cabinet wasn't lacking decoration, as he propelled Atletico Madrid to Europa League victory in 2010 and helped Uruguay clinch the Copa America in 2011. His accolades continued in Brazil, where he won the Campeonato Gaucho with Internacional in 2013, the Primera Division with Penarol in 2016, and even sealed a Hong Kong Premier League championship with Kitchee in 2018.