Ronaldo is good but Messi is the best: Diego Forlan

They say age is just a number and Mumbai City FC's marquee star Diego Forlan reiterates that. From winning Golden Ball in 2010 World Cup to revolutionising Uruguayan football, the Atletico Madrid stalwart has done it all. Bringing his class to India and guiding Mumbai City into their maiden ISL playoffs, Forlan speaks to Argha Bhattacharya in a free-flowing chat. Excerpts:

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It must be really pleasing to come to Mumbai as a marquee player and guide the team to their maiden playoffs with the help of your teammates?

Yes. Like you said, it's about the team. Each of us has our own qualities and has to perform to the best of our abilities. The position where I play demands goals and assists from my side and likewise we have a compact defence and strong midfield. The support staff is really helpful and being a strong unit, we have made it to the last four.

You reportedly had offers from other clubs. Why did you finally choose Mumbai City FC?

Yes, there were a couple of good offers but then the proposal of ISL came up. So, within a short period of time, I spoke with some people about the league and what exactly was good for me. I was happy to say yes and here I am.

Your family must have been very supportive, in the sense that India may turn out to be a tough place to visit at times...

Once you get to know the people, things fall into place. The outlook changes and you can make out the difference between what others say about India and what it actually is. It has been really good so far in Mumbai, we are staying in a good hotel and the city has accepted us as the home team.

How have been the people of India to you?

The people of India have showered their love on us. It's not only in Mumbai but wherever we travel people are nice and kind to us.

What was your biggest challenge while playing in this league?

This is the third season and having not made the playoffs till now, it was a big challenge for all of us to reach that stage. We knew it was going to be very difficult as the other teams are really good and you could win or lose against anybody. With our primary goal being achieved, we are looking forward to the fourth team which would qualify. We are enjoying the situation and it would be interesting to find our opponents for the playoffs.

How will you rate the standard of Indian football?

It's good. You can find a mixture of some young and experienced Indian players who are physically quite strong. It augurs well for the prospect of game in India.

Any India players who have grabbed your attention?

Yes, quite a few. Some are from my team, like Amrinder (Singh) is doing really well. Then there is Sehnaj (Singh), Pronay (Halder), (Sena) Ralte. Sunil (Chhetri) definitely has to be one. In Chennai there is Jeje (Lalpekhlua) and I don't get quite a few names but there is some serious talent in this league.

Sunil Chhetri is a star in India. How is it playing with him?

Before coming to India I had heard about him. He is very experienced and a nice guy. You can share your thoughts with him. We get along really well. The other day he had some chances, couldn't score but surely he would hit the target at the right time when we would need him to score.

In your weekly column, you had written that you would love to don the Manchester United jersey once again if Zlatan, Rooney, Rashford and Martial weren't there and score a goal or two at Liverpool...

(Laughs) Well, that was something funny. It was more of a joke than something real.

You were very young when you joined United. Would you have liked to have a longer career at Old Trafford?

There are many things which you love to do but... You know I had some great years over there, playing and winning titles, had a chance to play alongside some of the stalwarts of the game and I am really grateful for everything they have done for me. I wouldn't like to think what would have happened if I had stayed there for a longer period of time. I enjoyed everywhere I went and played after that.

Having played so much football across the globe, which one would you pick as the greatest moment of your career?

There are many but winning the Copa America has to be the greatest. My grandfather won it twice and my father did that once. So, we have four Copas in our family. It's the only family in the whole world which has four international trophies.

The big question. Who according to you is the best footballer in the world at this point of time?

In my opinion it's Messi. You have really good players like Cristiano Ronaldo but Messi is the best.

Finally, what are your plans for the ISL semifinals?

We have to keep our focus. Finishing first or second in the table boosts the confidence of the team but that doesn't guarantee you a place in the final because it doesn't matter whom you face in the playoffs. The games are going to be difficult.

RAPID FIRE WITH FORLAN

How do you describe yourself in one word?

Honest

What is the craziest thing that your fans have done for you?

They travelled from Hong Kong to Mumbai and some others from Japan to Uruguay to see me play

The most memorable goal of your career

Well there are a lot of goals, but if I had to choose one, that would be the strike against Germany in 2010 World Cup

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What did you do with your first earning as a footballer

I was at a residential in Argentina and I bought a TV for myself

Who is the mad guy in your team

Mad guy... (laughs) Ashutosh (Mehta). He is really funny

Any bad habit?

I don't know. I try not to have it. It's not that I don't have any but may be I do something and then don't recall it as a bad habit

Any superstitions

No

Best club

Ahh.. This is a difficult one. I have played with many good ones. I played for Penarol which is the team I support. It is very difficult to pick one as every team I played in has been great

If you were allowed to go back in time and change a particular moment in your career, what would that be?

I won't change anything because everything that has happened, whether it's been good or bad, made me what I am today

One thing about India which you love the most

The kindness of the people.

FORLAN'S TROPHY CABINET

With Uruguay

Copa America (2011): Champion
FIFA World Cup (2010): 4th

With Manchester United

Premier League: 2002-03
FA Cup: 2003-04

With Atletico Madrid

UEFA Europa League: 2009-10
UEFA Super Cup: 2010

Individual honours

FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2010
FIFA World Cup joint top scorer: 2010
Pichichi Trophy (Highest scorer in La Liga): 2004-05, 2008-09
European Golden Shoe: 2004-05, 2008-09