30th October, 2012
MADRID, Oct 30, 2012 (AFP) – Atletico Madrid goal-scoring machine Radamel Falcao says he’s not thinking of leaving “at the moment” after helping his club to climb to joint leadership of La Liga alongside Barcelona.
“I am not thinking of leaving at the moment. I never think about it. That wish is not in my thoughts,” the 26-year-old said in an interview late Monday on Intereconomia television.
Falcao was asked repeatedly about his future amid rumours about a possible departure to Atletico’s derby rivals Real Madrid, who are now lying in fourth place in La Liga.
The Colombian has already scored 10 league goals this season, behind Barcelona star Lionel Messi on 13 and Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo on 11.
Rumours that Falcao was being poached by Real Madrid were sparked by statements by the player’s father, who said he planned to sign with coach Jose Mourinho’s side.
“Parents sometimes speak, give their opinions and that’s that. I stopped living with him 12 years ago. I have become a man and he has not always been there in that process. He does not live with me and so he does not know what my dreams and goals are.”
Asked about Atletico’s start to the season as the only unbeaten team so far besides Barcelona, and what the club’s outlook is, Falcao was more cautious.
“We are in a dynamic where we can’t think about March and we just go game by game,” he said.
Falcao, who is on the list of 23 players nominated for a FIFA/France Football Ballon d’Or award for the best footballer of the year, said he was surprised his coach Diego Simeone was not up for the equivalent best coach prize.
“He has done a lot to deserve to be there. He did not have time to prepare last year but he got things up and running immediately. Thanks to him we we were on the point of qualifying for the Champions League. It’s a pity they did not recognise him,” he added.
Chelsea are also in the race to sign the Colombian striker and are willing to pay close to 50million pounds for his services.