forlán has played for several south american clubs, including argentine side independiente, where he scored 37 goals in 80 league games. his goalscoring attracted the attention of european sides, and in january 2002, independiente agreed a £6.9 million deal with middlesbrough of the premier league; the transfer fee would be paid over 18 installments. forlán travelled to england expecting to negotiate with middlesbrough, but at the last minute manchester united gazumped the teesside club, offering independiente the same fee in a single payment, as well as a more lucrative salary for forlán. on arriving in england, the uruguayan negotiated with united officials for four hours, then informed the press of his decision. "manchester united is a big club, so i've decided to go there," he explained. "the thing is, they offered more money than middlesbrough." he signed for united soon after.