South American Futbol - Libertadores, Sudamericana, World Cup 2010

Uruguay and Atletico Madrid superstar Diego Forlan has proved to be one of the best strikers in the world after claiming a second European Golden Boot for his 32 goals with his club side last season. Just moments before Atleti´s crucial Champions League clash with Chelsea the Uruguayan chatted to me about his club´s difficult start to the season, and as well as Uruguay´s hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

1. How does it feel to be the Pichichi and the highest goal scorer of the whole of Europe for a second time?

It is very nice, to have achieved this twice is incredible. As a kid one thinks about these things but then to have achieved them, it isn´t easy.

2. What is happening to Atletico Madrid this season, why is the club in the relegation zone of La Liga?

We are committing errors and we are paying for them, as well as this the few goal scoring opportunities we are creating, we aren´t converting.

3. With you and Aguero Atletico have one of the best strike forces in Europe, but why unlike last season has it been so difficult to score?

The good thing is that this has only just started, it is normal for a team to have these bad moments, the important thing is to overcome them as soon as possible!

4. Atleti are also struggling in the Champions League, how important is the clash with Chelsea on Tuesday?

Obviously the Champions League isn´t easy, but we have hope. We have three group matches left and we have to come out to win them, then we will see…

5. You were just about to sign for Barcelona during the transfer window, but why didn´t you come to an agreement at the end?

I don´t know, there were lots of rumours but there was no official contact, I don´t know.

6. Would you like to continue playing in Spain, or would you prefer to play in Italy or return to England?

I like the Spanish league very much, but if another offer from another league arrives, it will be analysed and we will see…

7. In Spain you have demonstrated that you are one of the best strikers in the world, would you like to demonstrate this in the English Premier League as well?

Not at all, I lived two and a half very good years at Manchester, but I don´t feel that I have to demonstrate anything.

8. For me Alex Ferguson didn´t provide you with sufficient opportunities at Manchester United, despite the fact that when you entered the field you were able to demonstrate your quality, did you see it like this?

I would have liked to have played more, the little that I played I tried to do my best possible. He didn´t allow me to have the continuity that I wanted and that I found in Spain, but it is understandable, there were great players in the squad.

9. Other South Americans like Veron, Heinze, Kleberson and Tevez didn´t find much luck at United despite being huge stars. Does Ferguson have something against South American players?

Not at all, it was he who signed us in the first place.

10. Uruguay are only a step away from qualifying for the World Cup in South Africa, how do Uruguay come into the playoff against Costa Rica?

We are doing well, not long is left, and we hope to qualify. It will be difficult but a nice challenge.

11. What do Uruguay have to do to beat Costa Rica and qualify for the World Cup?

We have to pick up a good away result, that is very important.

12. Do you think the teams from the CONCACAF region have a similar style to the South American teams, or is it very different?

It depends a lot on the style of football of each country.

13. Have you played on an artificial field before, if so how does it feel, do you think it is an advantage for Costa Rica?

I have played there and trained there, it is a little different to a normal grass field. Obviously they are used to it and they know how to play there very well.

14. How did you feel moments before taking the crucial last minute penalty against Ecuador in the recent World Cup qualifier, and how about after you scored it?

I knew the importance of that penalty. Once I converted it, I felt great happiness, my team mates and I.

15. How do you spend your free time?

I like to stay home, to go out to play golf, the cinema, go out to eat, it depends a lot on what I feel like doing.

16. When you turn on your computer what are the first three websites you visit?

Montevideo.com.uy, quenonino.com.uy and ole.com.ar

Gregory Sica

Southamericanfutbol.com

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