Forlán optimistic of Atlético revival

Having recently committed himself to Club Atlético de Madrid for two more years, 2008/09 ESM Golden Shoe winner Diego Forlánis confident Los Colchoneros can turn their disappointing season around and pull clear of trouble in the Spanish Liga. In this wide-ranging Q&A with uefa.com readers, the 30-year-old striker outlines his desire "to escape from the relegation zone as soon as possible", end his career at the Vicente Calderón and make an impact at the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Uruguay.

Great news that you renewed your contract; can you see yourself ending your career at Atlético?
Daniel Martín, 27, Madrid

Diego Forlán: Yes, I would like to end my career at Atlético, but it is not dependent only on me.

How special was last season, winning the European Golden Boot and qualifying for the Champions League?
Forlan7, Malaga

Forlán: It was amazing because of the way we did it. In my case it was amazing, too. It was my second Golden Boot and my second Pichichi trophy.

What’s the big difference between last season and this one for Atlético?
Beni, Santiago

Forlán: The big difference is our position in the table and the fact that we're currently going through some bad times even though the squad is made up of the same players who enjoyed so much success last season.

Has the new coach − Quique Sánchez Flores − made a difference to team morale and performances?
Yovany, New York

Forlán: We are working really hard to make a change as soon as possible. It's hard to do it, but we are confident.

How come you're so prolific now compared to when you played for Manchester United? Are you more suited to Spanish football or do other factors, such as language, play a part?
Dumisani George Nxumalo, 33, South Africa

Forlán: No, the only difference is that I am more experienced today.

Last year you scored many goals with both feet. Are you naturally left or right-footed and how come you can are strong with both feet?
Beatriz Ferrari, Montevideo, Uruguay

Forlán: I'm naturally right-footed, but, yes, I scored many goals with my left. I owe that to my father, who made me practice on pitches and against walls when I was a child. At that time, I used to practice over and over again.

If any other great player had a chance to join Manchester United and they asked you for advice, what would you say?
Cassim Moosa, 15, Johannesburg

Forlán: I don't think I would need to tell him anything because everyone knows that Man Utd are a great club with excellent people working there.

I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and now live in the United States. I met you in 2007 before a Villarreal training session and was wondering if you have a pre-match ritual to overcome nerves?
Mauro Crecenzio, 18, USA

Forlán: Honestly, I don't have one. I only listen to some music before the games.

What's the best goal you've ever scored?
Ahmad Ammar, 25, Cairo, Egypt

Forlán: I really like the one I scored against Senegal in the 2002 World Cup, but I have had some luck in my career and have scored some really nice goals. It's hard for me to pick only one.

Leandro Cabrera is in his first season at Atlético having left Uruguay in the summer. How hard is it for young players to settle in Europe and have you been giving him advice?
KJC

Forlán: It is not easy at all for a kid like Leandro to come to Europe, but I think this is an experience that's going to be very useful for him. He is a good player who is going to improve a lot in the future. I told him that he has to enjoy everything, to learn and to work really hard.

Who are the best team in Europe at the moment?
Gursimran Singh, 22, India

Forlán: The champions, Barcelona, are the best team today but there are others great teams like Inter, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Who are the toughest defenders you've ever played against and who are the best attacking players you've played with or against?
Tom Dodds, San Diego, USA

Forlán: I can't name one because that depends on the game. All games are different.

What's the most difficult thing you've had to do in your career?
Oğul, Turkey

Forlán: The most difficult thing I have ever had to do in my career … I think it was when I left my family, my home, my friends and my country, and went to live in a little hotel in Argentina to fight for my dream.

What does it take to be a good striker and what is the one piece of advice you would give to a young player hoping to emulate you?
Muhammad Ismail, 13, Johannesburg

Forlán: The most important thing is to enjoy what you're doing. Work and sacrifice are also very important to achieve things. But you have to take things step by step, and you have to improve all the time. You have to listen carefully to older players because they are the ones who have experience and can teach you things.

What has made you most proud in life?
Stretford End, Manchester

Forlán: My family, especially my sister.

What do you expect from club and country in 2010?
Felipe Iturrieta, 25, Italy

Forlán: With my club, to escape from the relegation zone as soon as possible. With my country, I expect to play well in the World Cup.

Would you ever consider a move back to England? You have spoken about your time in Manchester, but do you feel you have a point to prove there?
Jennifer Hansford, Canada

Forlán: England, and the Premier League, gave me many things and I thank them for that. If I have a chance to return, I would like to go, but I feel I have nothing to prove there.