Just a few days away from his first tennis match on the professional circuit, “a privilege”the former Uruguayan soccer star Diego Forlan judged that he had “nothing to prove”. “I enjoy (tennis) like a little boy and to have the privilege of playing a professional tournament is a luxury.” said the 45-year-old former Atlético Madrid and Manchester United striker at a press conference in Montevideo on Tuesday.

English champion in 2003, best player at the World Cup and Europa League winner in 2010, Forlan has been invited to line up in doubles at the Montevideo Challenger (November 11-17), where he will be paired with Argentina’s Federico Coria, younger brother of Guillermo, a finalist at Roland-Garros in 2004. This first appearance in a professional tournament “is a gift, so I don’t have to prove anything to anyone (…) I’m trying to prepare in the best possible way, but it’s clear to me that I’m not at the same level as professional players”, he continued.

In addition to the age difference “significant” with the other players involved, “everyone who comes here comes to win”insisted the two-time top scorer in the Spanish league. “I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to play tennis at a professional level. It’s a sport I play and enjoy, but I don’t master it like soccer.”concluded Forlan, who promised to do his best and “have a good time” on the court.

Before the Uruguayan, former AC Milan star Paolo Maldini had already played a tennis match on the professional circuit in June 2017, also benefiting from an invitation. Teaming up with his tennis teacher Stefano Landonio, the five-time Champions League winner lost in two straight sets (6-1, 6-1) in the first round of the Milan Challenger doubles tournament.