How many Manchester United supporters, or indeed Premier League onlookers, could have predicted that this once derelict Red Devil flop would become one of the most accomplished and clinical finishers of his generation. With 152 goals for Villareal and Athletico Madrid over the course of seven seasons since departing Old Trafford in 2005, its no surprise that Real Madrid launched a bid for the FIFA World Cup 2010 Golden Ball Winner in January 2011.
''Real Madrid called Athletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin and he rejected the offer. Gil Marin spoke with my agent and told him that he had turned down the offer and nothing else. - Diego Forlan, January 2011.
The 31 year old Uruguayan was enduring the only disappointing season of his tenure in Spain, notching just 10 goals in 42 appearances, before leaving at the end of the season for Inter Milan. Italy proved to be a nightmare reminiscent of his time in England, notching just twice in 20 appearances, before signing for Brazilian side Internacional at the end of the season. While he may have risked upsetting the majority of Athletico supporters, he might just wonder if the move down the road to the Santiago Bernabeu might have galvanised a career that was certainly on the rocks?
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
