The beauty of unexpected friendships often sews the deepest bonding. As the world celebrates Diego Forlán’s debut in the professional tennis world, another heartfelt congratulation makes its way from an old friend in Kolkata.

Dipendu Biswas, former India international and Mohammedan Sporting's football secretary reflects on his lasting friendship with Forlán. He shared his best wishes for the football legend’s professional tennis venture. Biswas further lauded the Uruguayan footballer for his resilience and discipline.

Forlan, renowned for his brilliance in football, is now beginning a new journey in professional tennis with plans to compete in doubles at the Uruguay Open this November, as confirmed by tournament organizers on Tuesday.

Biswas fondly recounts the days when Diego Forlán visited Kolkata in 2010, shortly after his incredible success at the FIFA World Cup. Before that he secured the Golden Boot in 2008-09 as a top goal scorer in all over Europe. However, not just his skills but what stood out the most for Biswas was Forlan’s modesty and simplicity.

“He’s not just a man with a Golden Boot, but also with a golden heart,” he said. “Even though he was a star footballer, he spent the whole day with us, and never once made us feel like we were any less than him. He was incredibly down-to-earth.”

When asked about Forlan’s fitness. He applauded the footballer saying, “He had great fitness. We also encountered that in the World Cup.”

“I recently came across a photo of him holding a tennis racket, and I couldn’t help but notice how little his physique has changed. He remains just as fit as before. Now he is set to etch his name in the world of tennis, this is an inspiring achievement”.

Biswas further left a message for the young players stating - “Players nowadays, are extremely fitness conscious. They are also well equipped with various fitness technology as well as physicians and recovery centres are there to help them.”

“The longer a player maintains their fitness, the greater their chances of success on the field.”

Needless to say, Biswas, a close confidant, is not only thrilled by Forlán’s decision but also applauds his relentless spirit to explore and take up new challenges. Amidst Biswas’s busy ISL schedule, Biswas made it a priority to reach out and congratulate Forlán before his upcoming venture.