Diego Forlan the cult hero

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A cult hero is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as... a writer, musician, artist, or other public figure who is greatly admired by a relatively small audience or is influential despite limited commercial success.

Diego Forlan is definitely a cult hero in the football world. 

Diego Forlán | 110608-6656-jikatu

Forlan signs for Manchester United

Forlán was signed for Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson for just under seven million pounds back in January 2002. He made his debut on 29 January as a 76th-minute substitute for Ole Gunnar Solskjær in a 4–0 away win at Bolton Wanderers. 

He made his first start in 4–0 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur on 6 March. Forlán made 13 Premier League and five UEFA Champions League appearances in the 2001–02 season but did not score.

Becoming a cult hero

During a two month period in the 2002/2003 season, Forlan became a legend in the eyes of many Manchester United fans. On 1 December, he scored his first brace for the club with goals in the 64th and 67th minute of an away 2–1 Premier League win at rivals Liverpool. Many United fans still sing his name thanks to this performance.

On 17 December 2002, Forlán scored the winning goal as United defeated Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Football League Cup. On 18 January 2003, Forlán scored a 90th-minute winning goal to again defeat Chelsea, this time in a Premier League match.

Manchester United went on to win the Premier League title in 2002–03, and Forlán scored six goals to make him the club's third best-scoring striker that season after Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

During the following season and despite more periods of play without scoring, Forlan played a part in United's successful FA Cup campaign. He departed the club at the start of the 2004/2005 as the club were linked wFoith the signing of Wayne Rooney.

Forlan in Spain

Forlan signed for Villareal and went onto have a great career playing in La Liga. During his first season in Spain, he scored 25 goals in 38 appearances and impressed everyone with his performances. 

After three seasons, he signed for Atlético Madrid and went onto have some more success. He won the Europa League in the 2009/2010 seasons. 

Take a look at some of his best goals throughout his eventful career.

Click here to read more football news from across the continent. 

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