Radamel Falcao fought back the tears as he bid an emotional farewell to Atlético Madrid at a ceremony held on Saturday at the Vicente Calderón.
Arriving 15 minutes late to the VIP lounge, Falcao tried to say his goodbyes in a first press conference since the official confirmation of his move to recently-promoted French side AS Monaco.
The Colombian arrived with his wife, Lorelei, and after the preliminary words of club president Enrique Cerezo, it was his turn to speak.
But the emotion of the moment was too much for him, and that plus his tears only allowed him to say a few short declarations of thanks, and subsequently he was unable to answer the media's questions.
"Thanks to all those in the club, to all those that work for the institution and the team. And, above all, to all the Atlético fans for these two years", Falcao managed to say.
The 27-year-old moved to Atlético from FC Porto in the summer of 2011, and has won three major titles in his time at the the Spanish capital.
Falcao continued: "These years at Atlético have been the best of my career. I have lived some moments that I will never forget.
"I'm very happy to have achieved with this team all the objectives that we have reached, and to have defended these colours in every game."
El Tigre then began to choke up, and members of the press corps decided to cut the event short, as it looked as if Falcao would not be able to continue talking.
Supporting applause and the giving of gifts to Falcao marked the end of the ceremony, without the press having the opportunity to pose any questions.
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| Radamel Falcao says goodbye to Atlético Madrid with tears in his eyes Photo: Atlético de Madrid |
Arriving 15 minutes late to the VIP lounge, Falcao tried to say his goodbyes in a first press conference since the official confirmation of his move to recently-promoted French side AS Monaco.
The Colombian arrived with his wife, Lorelei, and after the preliminary words of club president Enrique Cerezo, it was his turn to speak.
But the emotion of the moment was too much for him, and that plus his tears only allowed him to say a few short declarations of thanks, and subsequently he was unable to answer the media's questions.
"Thanks to all those in the club, to all those that work for the institution and the team. And, above all, to all the Atlético fans for these two years", Falcao managed to say.
The 27-year-old moved to Atlético from FC Porto in the summer of 2011, and has won three major titles in his time at the the Spanish capital.
Falcao continued: "These years at Atlético have been the best of my career. I have lived some moments that I will never forget.
"I'm very happy to have achieved with this team all the objectives that we have reached, and to have defended these colours in every game."
El Tigre then began to choke up, and members of the press corps decided to cut the event short, as it looked as if Falcao would not be able to continue talking.
Supporting applause and the giving of gifts to Falcao marked the end of the ceremony, without the press having the opportunity to pose any questions.
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