Ex-Man Utd star set to make shock professional tennis debut

Diego Forlan will return to the professional sporting stage in November. But he's set to make his mark with a racquet in his hand, rather than with a ball at his feet.

The now retired striker joined Manchester United in 2002 - making 98 appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Villarreal two years later. He was part of the Old Trafford side that won the Premier League in 2002/03 and was also on the books when they lifted the FA Cup in 2004.

The two-time European Golden Shoe winner also enjoyed success on the international stage, featuring in three of Uruguay's World Cup endeavours - and claiming the tournament's prestigious Golden Boot in 2010 - before his eventual retirement from the game in 2019.

But, his journey in professional sport is not over yet, with the 45-year-old expected to make his pro tennis debut next month at the Uruguay Open in Montevideo.

Forlan will play alongside Federico Coria in an ATP doubles event - partnering with the world number 101 in singles in November's recognised tournament.

His tennis passion isn't a newfound hobby, with Forlan showing promise as a tennis player in his teenage years. His devotion for football took him away from the racquet sport, but he's recently featured in ITF Masters events in the 45 and over category.

Forlan's time at Old Trafford may have been short, but the striker is widely remembered for his brace against Liverpool at Anfield and his goal against Southampton in 2002. He was thrown into the latter game in the final quarter and took just six minutes to find the back of the net from outside the box.

It was the moments after the goal that particularly stood out, however. After running around the pitch in celebration with his shirt off, Forlan was unable to get his clothes back on by the time play had resumed - forcing the player to chase down the ball with his jersey in his hand.

Forlan scored 17 goals for United and is primarily considered a cult hero at Old Trafford, with significantly more prolific spells coming with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid later in his career.

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