Man United cult hero Diego Forlan set for shock career change as announcement made

Ex-Manchester United forward Diego Forlan is taking his racket skills to new heights by entering a professional tennis tournament previously won by Grand Slam champion Juan Martin Del Potro.

The Uruguayan, who also made a mark at Villarreal and Atletico Madrid during his football career, has transitioned to the tennis court since hanging up his boots. Now 45 years of age, Forlan's tennis ventures have seen him compete on the ITF masters tour, establishing his credentials in the 35+, 40+, and 45+ brackets.

Next on his agenda is the Uruguay Open, where he's teaming up with Argentina's Federico Coria, an established professional player who's reached world number 49 and sits comfortably at 78 today. Their collaborative effort will be showcased at the doubles event of the upcoming tournament, scheduled from November 11 to November 17, an inclusion that is raising the organisers' excitement levels.

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Forlan's previous sporting efforts led to a quarterfinal berth at the ITF MT1000 Lima 45+ tournament in Peru earlier this year, demonstrating his notable cross-sport adeptness.

The announcement of his participation said: "Attention tennis and sports fans! This year at the Uruguay Open, we have an UNMISSABLE duo in doubles: Argentine tennis player Federico Coria (currently number 78 in the ATP ranking) and former Uruguayan football player Diego Forlan.

"Yes, our number 10 is smashing it in tennis too! This year, Forlan has competed in more than three +40 tournaments in Montevideo, also standing out in the MT1000 in Lima of the ITF World Tennis Masters