Forlan eyes Euro glory

DIEGO FORLAN admits firing the goals that lead Atletico Madrid to Europa League glory over Fulham would provide greater satisfaction than knocking out Liverpool.

The former Manchester United striker retains a soft spot for Old Trafford and was delighted to hit the target in each leg of the semi-final against Liverpool.

But Forlan insists making a telling impact at the Hamburg Arena tonight will surpass his heroics against the Reds.

“Scoring goals is always very nice. To score at Liverpool was nice because I’m a United fan,” said the Uruguay marksman.

“But if I score against Fulham it will mean even more. And I will be going all out to try to score and win the cup. I’m an attacker and I will try to score but the important thing to play well.

“We intend to win and become the champions. I’ve imagined winning the cup and I have pictures in my mind.”

Atletico, who won the UEFA Cup in 1962, start as clear favourites but Forlan insists Fulham will not be taken lightly.

“It will be a tough game because we have quite an opponent. I like football and I watch a lot of English football,” he said.

“Fulham are excellent athletes and good players. They have beaten great teams and won difficult matches so it will be a tough game.

“The Fulham team play very good football. They like to play the ball. They are different from most other teams.

“Nobody knows what will happen. It’s difficult to predict. We know it’s going to be a difficult game.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has been lavished with praised for his success in steering the unfancied London club into the final but his opposite number at Atletico Quique Sanchez Flores refuses to add his voice to the chorus of appreciation.

“The most important thing in the teams are the players, always,” he said.