Forlan doesn’t regret missing golden boot

KOLKATA - Uruguyan striker Diego Forlan has no regrets for missing out on the golden boot awarded to the best scorer as he considers the golden ball given to him for being the best player of the World Cup as the ultimate honour.

“I am more happy winning the golden ball. It acknowledges that you are the best player of the tournament,” said the 31-year-old Forlan, who played a stellar role in ensuring a fourth place finish for Uruguay in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Forlan was addressing mediapersons during a three-day tour to train young soccer talents in a soccer reality show organised by a private Bengali entertainment channel.

Asked whether he was surprised at being awarded the golden ball, Forlan said: “When I was nominated I knew I have a chance to win it just like the other four nominees.

“I knew it was difficult as I was not playing in the final. There were others who had a greater opportunity as they were playing in the final. I knew it was tough. But in the end they gave me. I am happy,” he said.

Forlan finished with five goals in the World Cup along with three others, but FIFA finally chose Germany’s Thomas Muller for the golden boot.