Liverpool host Manchester United on Sunday.
Diego Forlan has fond memories of the fixture between the two great rivals, English football’s most successful teams.
The Uruguayan striker scored twice at Anfield back in December 2002, securing a 2-1 win for United and condemning Liverpool to their first home loss in almost a year.
United would go on to win the league title that season, and Forlan, despite a tough spell at Old Trafford, is still fondly remembered for the goals among the club’s fans.
Forlan would break Anfield hearts again in 2010, scoring in extra-time of the Europa League semi-final against Liverpool for Atletico Madrid.
However, despite being a thorn in Liverpool’s sides in two high profile games, Forlan fondly remembers the reception he received from the Anfield crowd.
“I also went back to Anfield with Atletico Madrid and scored the goal which knocked them out of the 2010 Europa League and put us into the final.”
“After the game, the Liverpool fans in the main stand applauded me. That was a big gesture as I’d not only played for United, but I’d just ended their European dream in the semi-final.”
“I also went back to Anfield with Atletico Madrid and scored the goal which knocked them out of the 2010 Europa League and put us into the final,” the 36 year old wrote in his column for The National.
“After the game, the Liverpool fans in the main stand applauded me. That was a big gesture as I’d not only played for United, but I’d just ended their European dream in the semi-final.”
Forlan, now back in Uruguay playing for Peñarol, also claimed that playing at Anfield ranks alongside games at the home of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“I have played at football’s finest stadiums including the Bernabeu, San Siro, Camp Nou and Old Trafford.”
“They are among the best and the biggest, but when I’m asked about the great venues I’ve played in around the world, I also mention one of the smaller ones, Anfield.”
