Forlan heroes: United reject ends Fulham Euro dream, but Roy's still so proud

13 May 2010 09:20
Atletico Madrid 2 Fulham 1 (aet: 90 mins 1-1)Roy Hodgson paid tribute to his Fulham players after they lost the final of the Europa League in heart-breaking fashion here last night.[LNB] Hodgson's side were within four minutes of a penalty shoot-out with Atletico Madrid that would have given them the chance to land Fulham's first major trophy in their 131-year history.[LNB] Fallen flat: Hodgson (right) andhis players sport runners-upmedals after an agonising loss[LNB] But a 116th-minute goal from Diego Forlan, the former Manchester United misfit who scored in both legs of Atletico's semi - final with Liverpool , crushed Fulham's dream of ending a remarkable European adventure that began in July with their greatest ever victory.[LNB] 'The players are very, very disappointed because we put up a very good show,' said Hodgson, who hoped to become the first English manager since the late Sir Bobby Robson in 1997 to lift a European trophy. [LNB]'But I couldn't be more proud of them and I think this performance tonight summed up what we are.[LNB] Up for the cup: Athletico Madrid celebrate victory over Fulham[LNB] 'They've been performing against the odds all season, pulling out performances that no one could really have expected them to pull out. You can't be happy after any defeat but I don't have a word of criticism for any of the team. Unfortunately, fate was against us when it came to lifting the trophy.[LNB] 'The game was heading towards penalties, and despite obvious fatigue we were well organised, well disciplined and looking good value for the result. I know they are a lottery but we fancied our chances. But unfortunately Diego Forlan popped up with another crucial goal. It's a bitter disappointment as I thought we deserved at least to go to penalties.[LNB]'Everyone wants to finish first, but finishing second at this level of competition after 63 games is a remarkable achievement.[LNB] High jinks: Atletico Madrid players throw their head coach Quique Sanchez Flores in the air[LNB] 'I never imagined we'd get here in my wildest dreams, but that doesn't help. Having been here and seen the team play so well, we wanted to take that extra step. It's very difficult to find any comfort and any joy and enthusiasm after the season we've had.'[LNB] Simon Davies, who equalised five minutes after Forlan's 32nd-minute opener, said: 'We were hanging on and looking to try our luck with penalties. It's a shame to get so close but once we get home after a few days we'll feel like we achieved something but now it is very painful.[LNB] 'Scoring in a big final I'll be very proud in years to come but now it is really hard. We were so close but we must congratulate Madrid.' Forlan said: 'I don't know whether people in England are looking at me in a different way, but I am playing well and I am enjoying it.[LNB] Heartbreak: Forlan hits the winner[LNB] 'Manchester United were a really good team, with great players, but it was difficult for me to play. I spoke to Sir Alex and told him that I wanted to leave to try to get regular football. That is why I am so happy at Atletico.'[LNB] Hodgson, voted Manager of the Year by his peers at the LMA earlier this week, has been linked to a number of jobs since guiding his side to this final.[LNB] But last night he said he was committed to Fulham. 'As far as my future is concerned I haven't given it a moment's thought,' he said.[LNB] 'I'm been fully committed to Fulham as long as I've been here and always will be. I still have a contract at Fulham and as far as I'm concerned that's where I'll be.' [LNB] Atletico Madrid 2 Fulham 1: Diego Forlan stuns Roy's heroes - Cottagers' hearts are broken by late strikeNo happy ending in Roy's own adventure! Hodgson's Fulham in Europa League heartbreak Atletico Madrid 2 Fulham 1: Player ratings for Europa League finalHamburg match zone: Poor Lily Allen is reduced to tearsFulham sunk by Diego Forlan double - all the action from the Europa League final - as it happened[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail