Falcao received a rapturous response Monday as ten thousand jubilant Atletico Madrid fans turned out to greet the club’s new record signing, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
The Colombia striker joined La Liga club Atletico on a five-year contract from Porto earlier this month, for a reported fee of 40 million euros.
“I’m very happy and proud of the effort that was made by the club to sign me and by the support I’ve received from the fans,” Falcao said. “From the beginning they have taken me into their arms and I hope that I can make them happy and I hope to enjoy playing here.”
Falcao scored 34 goals under Villas-Boas last season, in a campaign that saw Porto win four titles, including the Liga Sagres title and Europa League. Falcao could have played in the Champions League this season with Porto, but is now relishing the challenge at Atletico instead.
“This is one of the biggest teams in the world,” he said. “It has great fans; in fact they are some of the best in Spain. This team plays in the best league in the world, so these are all facts that made me interested in coming here and it’s a challenge for me to come to this great institution. I identify with the Atletico fans and that’s why I didn’t hesitate to come to Madrid.”
His debut for the club has been delayed, with a strike postponing the first two rounds of the Spanish domestic season.
Image source: El Espectador