The football world is no stranger to Forlan, the Uruguayan striker who has played for famous clubs such as Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Penarol. In the national team, he was the top scorer at the 2010 World Cup - a tournament in which Uruguay reached the semi-finals, as well as winning the 2011 Copa America.
Forlan is remembered for his artistic curly hair, his artistic yet powerful playing style. He retired in 2019. Four years later, he unexpectedly turned professional tennis, at the age of 45. Forlan was a promising tennis player when he was a teenager.
Forlan has been playing in the ITF Masters since last year and next month he will play professional doubles at the Uruguay Open on the ATP Challenger. Speaking about his decision to play professional tennis, Forlan said his father, Pablo Forlan, was also a former footballer and also played tennis after retiring from football.
“He started playing at 41. That's why I've been playing (tennis) since I was 2 years old.”
It can be seen that Forlan has a passion for tennis, so even at the age of 45, he still chooses to play professionally, although there may not be many opportunities to reach the top. At least, this former striker is an example to say that it is never too late to develop yourself.
For Vietnamese athletes in general, there are many questions about self-development, from training efforts on the individual level - skills, physical strength - to collective aspects - studying, integrating into a new environment, including competing abroad.
Male soccer players, up to this point, have all encountered difficulties and have not been successful. Women’s soccer has Huynh Nhu leaving her mark of effort in Portugal. Volleyball has Thanh Thuy who is quite active in studying and experiencing in a foreign environment, some players have had initial experiences and maybe Bich Tuyen will be next…
Knowing that change is very difficult, but clearly, to move towards higher values - in every aspect, they are forced to accept change, and at the same time make many times more effort. Just try, it's never too late.
