Former Uruguayan football star Diego Forlan visited Hanoi and met with Vietnamese fans on July 20 during an offline event organized by FC Online, delivering an emotional experience for local football enthusiasts.

Born in 1979, Diego Forlan is considered one of Uruguay’s greatest strikers. He began his professional career with Independiente in Argentina before moving to Europe to join Manchester United in 2002. Though his time at Old Trafford was brief, Forlan rose to prominence with standout performances at Villarreal and reached his peak at Atletico Madrid.

This was Forlan’s first visit to Vietnam. Despite a tight schedule, he managed to enjoy a brief walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and captured memorable moments in Hanoi. His enthusiasm during the fan meet left a lasting impression on attendees.

“I’ve played for clubs in various countries and experienced many cultures. Wherever I go, I try to embrace the atmosphere, the local traditions, and the passion for football,” Forlan said.

Renowned for his resilience, Forlan played professionally until the age of 40. After leaving Europe in 2012, he continued his career in Brazil, moved on to Cerezo Osaka in Japan (the former club of Vietnamese goalkeeper Dang Van Lam), then played in India and Hong Kong before retiring.

“My career had ups and downs, but I never gave up. I want to tell young people, especially aspiring footballers, to do their best and enjoy the journey they've chosen - whether it's football or any other profession. This is my first time in Vietnam, and I hope to return in the future,” he shared.

This is not the first time FC Online has invited a football icon to Vietnam. In 2024, the platform successfully hosted a similar event featuring Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit.

PV