Diego forlan pledges future to inter

Inter striker Diego Forlan has committed his future to the club after announcing his intention to see out the entirety of his two-year contract at San Siro.

The 32-year-old has scored just one goal in nine matches since his arrival from Atletico Madrid last summer, leading to speculation over his future after so far failing to replicate the impact of Samuel Eto'o, who departed for Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer.

However, in response to the rumours, Forlan assured that he will stay put with the Nerazzurri until 2013, after speaking of his admiration for boss Claudio Ranieri, before eventually bringing the curtain down on his career in South America.

"I still have several years of my contract remaining and I will respect them," Forlan told Il Cacha.

"I want to stay in Europe a little longer after that and then, permitting my physical condition, I will return to South America.

"[Ranieri] is a coach of great experience, I have a good relationship with him."

An injury-hit campaign followed, as the oft-prolific striker netted just eight Liga goals in 32 appearances, although he did manage to salvage some form during last year's Copa America. Forlan, meanwhile, is adamant his setbacks are nothing out of the ordinary.

"Those are things that happen," continued the forward. "I know that I will be faced with different types of injuries, but if you analyse previous years, my fitness has been very positive.

"First I had the Copa America to deal with, then the move to Inter straight after. However, you must not forget the fact that I've always done the best I can, regardless of whether it was a good year or bad.

"Of course [not playing has affected me], especially because I am at a new team and I want to play. In the past, I had always started playing for a new club immediately.

"It is only natural that the years pass and after consecutive matches, you feel more and more tired, but it is normal. However one thing is certain: Diego does not want to hang up his boots."

"I want to go to the Olympic Games, but I also know that Oscar Tabarez has the final decision. My desire is there, but I know that many of us are targeting the Games," he said.

Reports in Italy have also claimed that Inter midfielder McDonald Mariga is set to cut his loan spell at Real Sociedad short and complete his move back to Parma on Monday

Source: Goal