Forlan reveals unfulfilled Stretford End dream
Diego Forlan has vowed to return to Old Trafford, after revealing that he has not been back to the famous stadium since leaving Manchester United in 2004.
The retired Uruguayan goalscorer made his debut 20 years ago today against Bolton Wanderers, and went on to play 98 times under Sir Alex Ferguson, scoring 17 goals – including two memorable efforts against Liverpool at Anfield.
That match-winning double made the long-haired blonde striker a cult hero among the Red Army, inspiring a chant that supporters still sing to this day: 'Diego, whoah, Diego, whoah. He came from Uruguay, he made the Scousers cry...'
But despite the enduring affection for him in Manchester, a long playing career which continued until 2019 and subsequent managerial stints in his homeland (with Penarol and Atenas) mean that Diego is still waiting to reconnect with Old Trafford and the adoring Reds faithful.
Forlan: The 20th anniversary interview! Video
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In a new interview with Zarah Connolly, Forlan says he gets 'goosebumps' when he thinks about returning to the Theatre of Dreams.
“I only went once to Manchester [since I left the club],” explained Diego. “That was the 25th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson [in November 2011].
“I was playing at Inter Milan. I just went to the ceremony and stayed in a hotel. I went with my mother – I remember that. That was 2011 or 2012 - I don't remember which? I think it was at the end of 2011, if I'm not wrong.
“But at Old Trafford, I haven't gone back. And I know I have to go back. I know that.”
Forlan: The 20th anniversary interview! Video
Forlan: The 20th anniversary interview!
Don't miss our exclusive feature-length chat with cult hero Diego Forlan, 20 years on from his debut against Bolton...
Forlan came close to returning as a player when Villarreal were drawn in the same Champions League group as United during 2004/05 – his first season with the Yellow Submarine.
But a hamstring injury ruled him out of the trip to M16, and a drab 0-0 draw that saw players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney fail to find the net.
However, the 2010 World Cup's Golden Ball winner admits he yearns to experience Old Trafford as a fan – and, in particular, the Stretford End.
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Asked by Zarah whether a return would be emotional – given the fans will inevitably start singing his chant – he admitted it would.
“Now that you tell me that, I know that there are going to be goosebumps,” he smiled.
“Yeah, I would love to. I am very close friends with [journalist and United supporter] Andy Mitten and we always talk, and every time he says: 'You have to go to the top of the stand and be with the fans.' The Stretford End! Maybe we can do it!
“I would let my family in the VIP, and maybe I can go with some of the fans and they can take care of me in the Stretford End!
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“With the pandemic it's sometimes a little bit difficult to travel,” Forlan continued. “But I want to go and I will go. I will try to go.
“I don't know if I'll go myself or with my wife and kids, I don't know. But I know that it's something that I have to do.”
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