Forlan recalls bizarre Keane prank at World Cup
Former United striker Diego Forlan has recalled the bizarre moment he was pranked by Roy Keane at the 2018 World Cup.
The Uruguayan played under the legendary Reds skipper at Old Trafford between 2002 and 2004, before going on to great success in Spain with Villarreal.
But the pair were reunited in surprising circumstances at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where both were working as TV pundits.
By coincidence, Diego was staying in the same hotel as several former United players – but only his old captain managed to catch him off guard in memorable fashion.
But the pair were reunited in surprising circumstances at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where both were working as TV pundits.
By coincidence, Diego was staying in the same hotel as several former United players – but only his old captain managed to catch him off guard in memorable fashion.
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“I was at the World Cup, and it was a coincidence that many Manchester United players stayed there in the same time,” Forlan told us, in an exclusive recent interview to honour the 20th anniversary of his transfer to United.
“I remember one day we were in the gym. It was Phil [Neville], Gary [Neville], Giggsy and then I think [Patrice] Evra as well. I didn't play with him – but [I have played] against him.
“It was funny because everybody was in the same dressing room like when we were players. We were there at the World Cup working for different TV channels.
“That day I remember I was tired coming from a game, from Uruguay playing Russia, I think,” he continued.
“I don't remember which game. I was waiting for the elevator and someone gave me a hit on the back. Strong! And said: 'Do you know how I get up to my room?!'
“I thought: who is this hitting me in the hotel like this?! I turned back and it was Keano! It was really nice [to see him again].
“It was a great time. We stayed a couple of days there and we had the opportunity to be together. He's a great guy.”
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Forlan went on to explain that, although he had closer relationships with team-mates of a similar age, he thought Keane was an exceptional presence.
“Being young, I had really good relationships with John O'Shea, with Wes Brown, as we were on the bench most of the time,” he said. “With Phil and with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], but then with everybody [else].
“But a great captain I had during my career was Roy Keane. Roy Keane was someone I learned a lot from. Of course, he was a little bit loud, a little bit busy! Always shouting!”
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Forlan believes the greatest quality of the United squad at the time was its strong but diverse range of personalities.
“Another that always talked a lot and still talks a lot is Gary Neville,” laughed Diego. “He likes talking a lot!
“Then there was Giggsy, who was a funny guy as well. Scholes... sometimes he was quiet. But you know, he's that guy who's quiet but he's not that quiet as well! It was really interesting because you had different personalities, but really nice guys. We really enjoyed [it].
“We were winning and with the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] as well… he knew everybody and was a really nice guy as well. They were really good moments. You know, everybody has their own personality and is different. But I had really good relationships with everybody.”
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