‘Falcao for Messi or Ronaldo? No!’

Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo talks title ambitions and not swapping Radamel Falcao for Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

In an interview with AS published today, Cerezo concurred with the recent rhetoric surrounding striker Falcao and decided to take it one step further.

“I agree. Falcao is the best striker in the world,” he professed. “And it is not just what I say, I refer to the evidence.

“I would not change Falcao for Messi or Cristiano. Falcao is the best, many would want him, but he plays with Atletico and we are delighted with him.”

Even so, the President reflected on the fact he did not play through injury at Espanyol and the team still won.

“Any of the players in the group can be a starter in this team, as they are all engaged in what the Coach says, fighting every game as if it were their last.

“The year 2012 is certainly one to remember, for I am experiencing my best moments as President.”

It is a year that is approaching its final few months with the team in sharp form, and currently unbeaten in all competitions since April.

“We are in a good position, we have made a start to which the team is responding, but for now I am just thinking about the Europa League match against the Czech side [Viktoria Plzen].

“We have two very important games this week and in the League nothing has been achieved yet, it has only just begun. The team is united, they are compact and outgoing, whatever it is, they are always showing their faces. And this is the highlight.

“Neither the Coach nor the players look beyond the next game. Now we are playing in the Europa League – we are very much on track but we must secure the group soon, so Thursday’s clash is very important. We should qualify for the knockouts as soon as we can.”

Cerezo was asked of the team’s chances of turning a current second place position in the table into a title fight.

“What I believe is that on Sunday we face Malaga, a great team, who are also striving to be among the top teams. But I can say that we are excited and eager to win. This team is hungry for success.

“What is clear is that we are not an easy opponent for anyone and that we will not be giving anything away. It will depend on Atletico, but we will go step by step, game by game, as usual.

“If we continue like this, with such intensity and with that fight, the team will compete for the goals that they are currently fighting for.”

Tags Cerezo Falcao
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