Yahoo Sports Man United cult figure set for shocking career switch six years after retiring – report
Former Manchester United and Uruguay striker Diego Forlan is preparing for a new chapter in his sporting career. He is set to become a professional tennis player.
The 45-year-old football icon is set to make his debut in the doubles category at the Uruguay Open, an ATP Challenger event taking place in Montevideo from November 11 to November 17.
Forlan will team up with Argentina’s Federico Coria, currently ranked 101 in ATP singles.
He joins a host of athletes who have switched professional sports. Basketball icon Michael Jordan famously took a hiatus to play baseball. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech also played ice hockey after hanging up his boots.
Then there is Man United fan Usain Bolt, who tried playing professional football after retiring from athletics. He had trials with Borussia Dortmund and Central Coast Mariners but was not offered a professional contract by either team.
Since retiring from professional football in 2018, Forlan has taken to the international senior tour, honing his tennis skills ahead of this exciting competition.
Forlan made 97 appearances for Manchester United between 2002 and 2004 and is fondly remembered by fans despite a less-than-stellar scoring record of just 17 goals.
His move to United was met with high expectations following a £10 million transfer from Independiente. Unfortunately, he was overshadowed by stars like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, ultimately leading to his departure to Villarreal.
Despite the challenges he faced at Old Trafford, Forlan remains a cult figure among United supporters. His memorable brace against Liverpool at Anfield in December 2003 continues to resonate, with fans often chanting, “He came from Uruguay. He made the Scousers cry.”
“Yes, our number 10 is smashing it in tennis too,” organisers said about Forlan’s participation (via The Guardian). “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.”
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