He’ll return to the PL a different player to the one that left Old Trafford
Football FanCast columnist Jez Howard feels that Forlan will return to the Premier League a far different player to the one that left Manchester United.
To say Diego Forlan’s first experience of English football was disappointing is something of an understatement. The Uruguayan never lived up to his billing at Old Trafford and in truth was a massive let down.
It was a grave shame and he was a real Jekyll and Hyde type character, who we would watch score wonders goals for Uruguay and then return unable to replicate on his return. Sir Alex just couldn’t seem to get the best from him, although it clearly wasn’t for the want of trying.
Fergie is normally quite cut throat with players who fail to make the grade instantly, Veron and Djemba-Djemba are classic examples, but he refused to give up with Forlan and gave him three seasons to try an unlock his potential before finally giving up and shipping the striker off to Villarreal. The rest is history and that move to Spain has seen Forlan become one of the top strikers in Europe at present and he was this year’s recipient of the golden boot, having scored 32 goals in 33 games for Atletico Madrid.
The experience of England and the Premier League has certainly not deterred Forlan, who yesterday claimed that he would welcome another stab at Premier League football and feels he will be better equipped for it this time around:
Forlan said: “England, and the Premier League, gave me things and I thank them for that. If I have the chance to return I would like to go.
“I feel I have nothing to prove there, the only difference is that I am more experienced today.” Mirror
When Forlan played against Chelsea last month he was critical that he didn’t get much match time to prove himself at Old Trafford and while that may well have proven the case, you either fly or die at a club like United and Fergie is hardly in a position to sit there and wait for him to deliver. He had four seasons to make an impact and yet failed to grasp those opportunities given to him.
Although Forlan time at Old Trafford didn’t work out, there is no question his game has come on a bundle and he now looks a very assured player. Since leaving United he has bagged an impressive 122 goals in 238 games in La Liga, which has seen him linked with various return moves to the Premier League. The Uruguayan is obviously keen for another crack in England and judging by the giant strides that he has made in Spain as a player, he will certainly return to these shores a far different player to the one that left United in 2005. The likes of Manchester City, Tottenham, Sunderland and Liverpool have expressed an interest in the past and it remains to be seen whether one of them will now look to take the plunge with him.
NEW Soccer AM IIII DVD OUT NOW – Order your copy now
Helen Chamberlain, Max Rushden and the rest of the Soccer Am crew tackle the task of unearthing the team of their dreams.
Tubes, Health and Safety, Rocket and Baby Elvis are among the familiar faces joining Helen and Max to indulge in a special set of sketches, including Kung Fu Academy, Third Eyes and the return of the £10 Goal Celebration.
Who makes it through the filter of football’s funniest show as the Greatest Team In The World?
Does the Premier League take precedence or does La Liga lead the way??
NEW Soccer AM IIII DVD OUT NOW – Order your copy now
Related articles
Rate it:
Leave a Comment