MADRID (AFP) - Villarreal's Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan has turned down a chance to return to the English Premiership, the player confirmed here on Wednesday.

Forlan was the Spanish first division's top scorer two seasons ago and the joint winner of the European Golden Boot award in 2005 but is chiefly known in England for his difficult two seasons at Manchester United between 2002-04.

English second tier side Sunderland, coached by Forlan's former United teammate Roy Keane, look on course for promotion to the Premiership and he wanted Forlan to bolster their attack next season.

But the former Republic of Ireland international failed to convince Forlan to swap life by the Mediterranean for Tyneside.

"Roy called me to explain his project at Sunderland and offer me the possibility of playing there as one of the main new signings for next season. I'm very honoured (he called) but I'm happy here," Forlan told local reporters.

Nevertheless, despite turning down Sunderland and the fact that Forlan's stint in the top flight of English football isn't remembered too fondly - he was cruelly nicknamed Diego Forlorn by United supporters for his failure to find the net - Forlan didn't discount playing in the Premiership again.

"Nothing is impossible in football. I could return there one day," he added.