Radamel Falcao has defended criticism of his move from Atletico Madrid to Monaco this summer.
The Colombian international joined the French outfit this summer for a reported €45m on a five-year contract, yet his detractors point out he has left a club that will be competing in next season’s Champions League for one that is not.
Nonetheless, at his first Press conference as a Monaco player the 27-year-old, nicknamed El Tigre, stated his own and his new team’s ambitions.
“Many think coming here could be a mistake, and perhaps they are right. But when we win a trophy they’ll know I made the right decision,” he insisted.
“I decided to come here for a number of reasons as the President and the coaching staff have the same ambition as me in reaching the top of European football.
“They convinced me I was a key part in this project, something that gave me confidence and security.
“This club wants to win trophies and together with the role I’ll have in the team it made me want to come here.
“Choosing a club that isn’t in Europe may have surprised some people, but I want to be playing in the Champions League next year and there is a lot of motivation here to do that.”
Falcao acknowledged that the support in Monaco’s Stade Louis II Stadium is likely to be completely different to that he experienced at the Vicente Calderon.
“We’ll have to motivate the fans to come and support us, although you don’t get motivated because of the supporters in the stands. You get motivated by beating your opponents, and we are inspired by the fact Monaco want to win Ligue 1 and get into Europe.
“That’s what should guide us. The points are worth the same with or without people inside the ground.”
Asked if Paris Saint-Germain will be the team to beat in France next season, Falcao maintained all teams have to be respected. We’ll play each game as if it is a final and that will get us the results we want.
“Our objective is to win every competition we enter and every team is a rival, not just one. Every opponent is very important.” he concluded.
