Recently, Diego Forlan - former striker of Man United and Uruguay team was in Hanoi to attend a football game event. This is also the first time Forlan has set foot in Vietnam.
Here, the former Man United striker shared with fans about his journey to the 2010 World Cup Golden Ball title. Without talking much about fame or glory, Forlan emphasized: "My goals at the 2010 World Cup are no secret. My only secret is to practice. I have practiced footballing a lot with both feet, at different distances".
Forlan said that three months before the biggest football festival on the planet in 2010 took place in South Africa, Forlan proactively contacted a famous brand to ask for a ball, the type of ball that would be officially used in the tournament.
At that time, he also played for Atletico Madrid. Forlan stays on the pitch after every training session to practice from dead ball to live ball, from right to left, at every distance. It was also that careful preparation that helped Forlan get used to the ball, turning it into a "weapon" for harm, while that ball once caused many goalkeepers a headache due to unpredictable trajectory.
The standout shots at the 2010 World Cup were a direct result of that preparation. Forlan opened the scoring against South Africa, a dangerous free kick against Ghana, a long-range shot into the Netherlands' net in the semi-final and a volley that hit the ground, leaving the German goalkeeper unable to react in the third-place match.
Each goal is a moment but behind it are hundreds of repeated shots in silence.
Although Uruguay only finished fourth overall at the 2010 World Cup, Forlan's brilliant performance helped him win the title of best player of the tournament.
That year, he shared the title of "Gunners" with David Villa, Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Muller with 5 goals, but Forlan was the one who was honored the most.
Forlan won with 23.4% of the votes from international media. He narrowly defeated Wesley Sneijder - who received 21.8% support. This is a worthy result for Forlan's silent efforts.
Sharing with Vietnamese fans, Forlan said that he does not possess outstanding physique or special speed but always believes in the value of serious training.
"My career has had many ups and downs. The most important thing is that I never give up. Football players should always practice persistently until we have achieved important milestones in our careers.
As for young people, enjoy life and do your best in any field you pursue, whether it is football, sports business or any profession," said the Man United striker.
Forlan is now continuing a new journey with professional tennis at the age of 45. Regardless of sport, the former Uruguay international's diligence will never change.
