The Indian Super League (ISL) is all set for a third season, and teams have wasted no time in acquiring foreign players. Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) are currently in talks with former Manchester United and Villareal striker Diego Forlan to join them as their marquee striker. After an injury-ridden experience with Helder Postiga last season, ATK officials are on the lookout for a fully fit striker.
The 37-year old refused to renew his contract with boyhood club, Penarol yesterday, after joining them in 2014/15. This particular move has fuelled rumours over a potential ATK move. During a media interaction in Montevideo, he said, “I still believe I have what it takes to play at the top level. Leaving Penarol is not the end of my football career, I believe I could have scored more goals. I am currently looking at various offers from Asia and Europe as I still want to keep playing.”
This is not the first time Forlan has been linked with ATK. During the Inaugural season in 2013, Forlan was one of the front-runners to join ATK as their marquee player, before Luis Garcia was officially introduced to the Kolkata masses. A source close to ATK said, “The management is adamant that we get a fit striker. Forlan is one of the options that is being looked at apart from several others. I am not in a position to reveal them as of now, but as I said fitness is the key criteria for us now.”
One of Uruguay’s top strikers, Forlan reached the peak of world football in 2010, winning the Golden Ball (best player) at the World Cup. He has also won the Pichichi trophy twice and the European golden shoe. Forlan was also the first player to win 100 caps for his country.
