Six years after announcing his retirement, former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan is embarking on a new chapter.
Diego Forlan enjoyed a sparkling 21-year career as a footballer before hanging up his boots in 2018 after a sting with Hong Kong side Kitchee.
He spent two and a half of those years at Old Trafford playing under Sir Alex Ferguson as a Manchester United player after joining the Red Devils from Independiente in 2002.
The Uruguayan forward’s time in Manchester was short but sweet. Perhaps not enough for him to be considered a United legend, but Forlan did score 17 goals in 98 appearances for United, including a brace against Liverpool which earned him his infamous chant.
He has kept a close connection with United since leaving the club in 2004, and Forlan’s comments on Manuel Ugarte recently resurfaced after his compatriot’s £42m summer move.
Now 20 years on from Forlan’s United exit, the 45-year-old has completed a drastic career change.
Diego Forlan set for professional debut in new sport
Forlan’s name is synonymous with football, not only because of his 21-year career but also because his grandfather, father and brother also played.
But following his retirement, Forlan is keeping himself active playing tennis. Not at an amateur level either. In fact, Forlan is set to make his professional debut next month.
As per Sky Sports, Forlan is set to make his professional tennis debut at next month’s Uruguay Open.
Forlan has entered the doubles event at the Uruguay Open which takes place from November 11 to 17.
Diego Forlan explains drastic change to tennis
To go from a retired professional footballer to a now-professional tennis player is some feat, but Forlan has explained that his passion for tennis actually dates back to his childhood when his father followed the same career path.
As quoted by FootBoom, Forlan said: “My father played football, and after retiring at 41, he took up tennis.
“That’s why I started playing at the age of two. Everyone knows I dedicated myself to football before returning to this sport as diligently as I now do.”
Remarkably, Forlan is currently ranked 112th in the ITF Over-45 classification.
He will make his professional debut next month, but Forlan has already been very active this year with his 2024 record standing at eight wins and three losses in singles while he has picked up five wins and just one loss in doubles.
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