I Am Very Happy At Atletico Madrid – 2010 World Cup Golden Ball Winner Diego Forlan

Diego Forlan, the Golden Ball winner of the 2010 World Cup, is currently on a three day visit to Kolkata. The former Manchester United and Villarreal striker is in the City of Joy to take part in a football reality show.

The Uruguayan answered questions from the media in a press conference and revealed that despite interest from Premier League clubs, he is staying with defending Europa League champions Atletico Madrid.

“I am very happy at Atletico Madrid and have three years left on my current contract so I will be definitely staying.

“The English Premier League has very strong teams and you never know what will happen in future but for now I am an Atletico player and will be playing for them in the coming season.

“Madrid is a great city and La Liga is a fantastic league so I am enjoying my football at Atletico and looking forward to the new season,” Forlan remarked during the press conference.

He also explained why he didn’t have a successful spell at Manchester United and thus moved to Spanish outfit Villarreal.

“It was difficult for me to adapt in England initially as I had moved from Argentina and so there was a massive difference in the cultures.

All for one and one For... lan | Diego adds to his tally

“On the pitch it was equally tough because I wasn’t a regular and most of the time had to be a substitute. So as time progressed it was becoming even more difficult so I spoke to the manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) and decided to join Villarreal where I played regularly and had a wonderful spell.”

The 31 year old also answered several questions related to his successful 2010 World Cup campaign.

Forlan picked his personal favourite from the five goals he scored and also explained why winning the Golden Ball was more important to him than securing the Golden Boot.

“All the five goals that I scored in the World Cup were special but if I have to choose one I would say the goal against Germany in the third place play-off was my favourite.

“I knew I had a chance to win the Golden Ball as I was nominated but I thought the players who played in the final had a better chance.

“In the end I was chosen for the award and it was truly a great moment. I would have also liked to win the Golden Boot but the Golden Ball is definitely the one I would prefer as it goes to the best player of the tournament.”

Forlan also defended his international team-mate Luis Suarez, who handled the ball to deny Ghana an extra-time winner in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

“Suarez was punished for handling the ball as he was sent off and thus was suspended for the semi-final. Ghana were also awarded the penalty but they failed to convert it and then we won on penalties.

“Therefore I don’t think we can blame Suarez because he was shown a red card for his actions and Ghana also had the opportunity to score.”

Prior to the 2010 World Cup, Diego Forlan wasn’t really a world famous superstar despite winning the European Golden Boot twice.

Many of his admirers believe that the striker hasn’t got the recognition he has deserved and was somewhat underrated until he won the Golden Ball in South Africa.

However Forlan himself has no complaints and is glad that finally his efforts have finally been recognised.

“I have no regrets. It's better late than ever so I have no complaints against anybody. I have had a wonderful career so far and I want to keep working hard and score more goals - and win more matches for both club and country.”

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