Falcao Welcomes Manchester United 'Gamble'

Radamel Falcao acknowledges that Manchester United have ‘gambled’ on him, but hopes to spend many years at the club.

As one of the most prolific strikers in European football, it came as no surprise to see interest from the Premier League mount in the Colombia international over the summer.

He has shown during spells at Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco that he can be almost unplayable when fully fit and on top of his game.

The concern for those looking at him during the recent transfer window was a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered in January which ended his 2013/14 campaign and ultimately dashed his World Cup dream.

United, though, were prepared to take a calculated risk and struck a season-long loan agreement on deadline day which includes the option for a permanent move to be made in 2015.

Falcao, who is grateful for the opportunity, told radio station Onda Cero: “Manchester United were the ones that gambled on me when it was very difficult to do so.

“It has been a very difficult year, not just in my professional career.

“What happened at the start of the year affected me in every way, but it has also helped me grow as a human being, to think about many things, to mature.”

After opening his account for United in their 2-1 victory over Everton on Sunday, Falcao added: “In terms of my thoughts and plans for the future, I want to stay at Manchester United for the coming years.

“I am still going to need some time to be okay, but I am feeling very comfortable and very good on the pitch, in harmony with myself, with the ball and with football.”