Former Manchester United forward Diego Forlán is geared up to make his professional tennis debut at next month's Uruguay Open. The 45-year-old football legend will team up with Argentine player Federico Coria for the doubles event, bringing his competitive spirit to the tennis court in his home country.
An announcement from the tournament organizers excitedly declared: "Attention tennis and sports fans! This year at the Uruguay Open, we have an UNMISSABLE duo in doubles: Argentine tennis player Federico Coria and former Uruguayan football player Diego Forlan."
The Uruguay Open will be played at the Challenger Tour level, the second-highest professional tier in tennis. Coria, who boasts a career-high singles ranking of 49, will be a valuable partner for Forlán as they aim to win the doubles event.
Forlán, a cult hero at Manchester United, is fondly remembered for his impactful moments on the football field. He famously scored both goals in a memorable 2-1 victory against Liverpool in December 2002, followed by a dramatic 90th-minute winner against Chelsea, which helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s team clinch the Premier League title.
Interestingly, Forlán's journey echoes that of his father, who also transitioned from football to tennis after retiring. “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,” Forlán has shared. Football fans around the world will be very interested to see how the footballing legend gets on.
Francesco Totti, the legendary figure of AS Roma, has shocked football fans with his recent comments about a potential return to Serie A. The 48-year-old, who hung up his boots in 2017, revealed that he has received calls from various clubs, making him contemplate a comeback.
“I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life you never say never,” he said. Totti acknowledged that many players have continued their careers long after retirement, hinting that he could still have something to offer on the pitch.
The iconic No. 10 also expressed that any return would depend on rigorous training. “If I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well,” he stated. Despite being open to the idea, Totti made it crystal clear that he would never wear the colors of Lazio, Roma’s arch-rivals.
Totti believes that his skill set could still shine in the current landscape of Serie A. “With the levelof today's Serie A I could easily have my say on the pitch,” he asserted. He maintains a base level of fitness by playing casually, and has indicated he could be match-ready in two to three months.
As he reflects on his past and future, Totti remains a beloved figure in Italian football, and his potential return would undoubtedly send waves through the football world.
.png)