Hugo Sanchez has remarked that Radamel Falcao could follow his example by scoring in the Copa del Rey Final before leaving Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Sanchez scored Atleti’s two goals in their 1985 Copa del Rey Final 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao in what was his last game for the club before a move across the city to Real Madrid.
With Atleti lining up this Friday in the competition final against Los Blancos, the 54-year-old took note of the situation Falcao finds himself in, with it expected that he will be sold in the summer.
“My last game with Atletico, my farewell, was a Cup final at the Bernabeu,” Sanchez reflected to Marca this week.
“I scored and we won the title. The same thing could happen to him. It might be one of his last games with Atleti.
“Maybe there will be a move with another club to bridge a transfer to Madrid, as it happened with me – I went to Pumas before then going to Madrid.
“The fans should understand that it is difficult to retain players who are followed by such strong teams.
“For me, it wasn’t nice to return to Atletico and see that some still continue to hold a grudge, but eventually you have to realise that I’m not the only one who, for professional reasons, has wanted to make a change.”
Despite seeing similarities with Falcao, Sanchez does not see Los Colchoneros winning this week.
“I will go with Real Madrid, where I spent more time and where I was more comfortable. My bet is 2-1, with a Falcao goal for Atletico.”
Atleti have not beaten Madrid in 25 games, stretching back to 1999.
“When I played there it was the same, there was a lack of certainty and confidence. The Atleti players should work with psychologists. But, Diego Simeone could be the right man to solve that problem.
“If Atleti do beat Madrid, then there will be a lot of tension at the Bernabeu. People thought he was going to win them their 10th Champions League, but in the end he can only win the Cup.
“I think that Jose Mourinho has come through, but more was expected of him.”
