New Atlético Madrid signing Radamel Falcao received a rapturous response as he was paraded in front of a 15,000-strong crowd of Rojiblancos fans on Monday.
The Colombian striker joined the La Liga outfit on a five-year contract from FC Porto earlier this month in a Portuguese and club record transfer deal of €40 million.
"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 at his unveiling.
"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.
"This is one of the biggest teams in the world. 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 Atlético fans and that's why I didn't hesitate to come to Madrid."
Despite arriving at the Vicente Calderón with a hefty price tag, Falcao is determined not to be burdened by suggestions that he will be the club's saviour.
He added: "I do not feel any pressure because this club is made up of many people. I was raised from a young age to be a focused person and so I have my priorities right.
"I am very happy. Happy with the effort made by Atlético to sign me, and happy with the reception I have been given.
"I am feeling very positive and will play with my heart."
However, his debut for the club has been delayed, with a strike postponing the first two rounds of the Spanish domestic season.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
 |
|
| Over 10,000 Atlético Madrid fans attend the unveiling of new signing Falcao Photo: MARCA |
The Colombian striker joined the La Liga outfit on a five-year contract from FC Porto earlier this month in a Portuguese and club record transfer deal of €40 million.
He arrives with the job of replacing Sergio Agüero, who left the Spanish capital for Manchester City in last month.
"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 at his unveiling.
"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.
"This is one of the biggest teams in the world. 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 Atlético fans and that's why I didn't hesitate to come to Madrid."
Despite arriving at the Vicente Calderón with a hefty price tag, Falcao is determined not to be burdened by suggestions that he will be the club's saviour.
He added: "I do not feel any pressure because this club is made up of many people. I was raised from a young age to be a focused person and so I have my priorities right.
"I am very happy. Happy with the effort made by Atlético to sign me, and happy with the reception I have been given.
"I am feeling very positive and will play with my heart."
However, his debut for the club has been delayed, with a strike postponing the first two rounds of the Spanish domestic season.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
