Diego Forlan has dedicated his FIFA Golden Ball award for the outstanding player at the World Cup to his Uruguay team-mates and vowed he will not let the praise go to his head.
The Atletico Madrid striker scored five goals, including a couple of stunners against South Africa and Germany, as Uruguay exceeded expectations to reach the semi-finals before losing the third-place play-off 3-2 to Germany.
"It's as great as it is unexpected," Forlan told FIFA.com. "I never even imagined something like this, nor did I have my sights set on it. As I'm a striker, I perhaps could have seen myself chasing the Golden Shoe, and in fact I came close. That would have been more normal."
He added: "I'm enjoying it and I'm delighted, but I'm very aware that it's the result of the spectacular tournament the team has had. It's another reward for this positive period for Uruguayan football."
Shortly after learning of his award, Forlan's Uruguay team-mates charged into the striker's room to congratulate him before throwing him into the hotel swimming pool in celebration.
The 31-year-old added: "It was incredible how they all came to my room to congratulate me.
"The fact that my team-mates and a lot of people back home in Uruguay pinned their hopes on me, and I was able to repay that faith out on the pitch while being just another member of the team, makes me feel very happy.
"I'd also like to highlight those lads who didn't play much or didn't feature at all. Those guys make up the backbone of the squad and this award is for them too."
Source: PA
