Forlan: The Golden Boot was the beginning of Atletico Madrid winning the Europa League Atletico Madrid Recalled his Rojiblanco years

Diego Forlan has recalled winning the 2009 European Golden Shoe whie at Atletico Madrid.

The Uruguayan striker received the award for the 2008/09 campaign, before helping Los Rojiblancos lift their first ever Europa League trophy in 2009/10.

"I remember the year of the Golden Shoe with great affection," he told the club's official channels.

"We all wanted to have that possibility of qualifying for the Champions League for the second time.

"It was what the club deserved for what they had done and had showcased.

"[The award] was the beginning of what would come later with the Europa League title.

"So I remember it very fondly.

"The streak was very good: 32 goals in 33 games.

"I started with a good number of goals.

"Then I was gaining confidence and more goals appeared, many of which from outside the area."

Forlan also discussed about his extraordinary partnership with Sergio Aguero in Atletico's attack and one of the best goals he ever scored.

"With Kun [Aguero] we made a very good duo," he said.

"[We were] different, but we understood each other well.

"I was dropping back when we were defending.

"When it came to attacking, one was moving into space which wasn't occupied by the other.

"[My goal] against Barcelona was spectacular.

"Yaya Toure was marking me, we were losing 2-0 and I scored from 35 metres out into Victor Valdes' far post."

Finally, the former Uruguay international expressed his gratitude towards the Atletico fanbase.

"You don't dream of individual trophies when you are young," he noted.

"You dream of being a football player.

"Doing thing well ends up helping the team and ends up being important in helping the club achieve as many things as possible.

"It was what made me happy and made me feel fulfilled.

"[Atletico fans'] tribute was very special, in what was a derby.

"I will always remember the affection of the club's people and the fans."