Falcao Aims To Repay Fans' Faith With Goals

Radamel Falcao spoke to Inside United this month about his English roots, growing up in Colombia and his aim to make his mark at Old Trafford...

United fans are really keen to find out all about you and get to know you. How would you describe yourself as a person and a player?
I am chilled and laid-back but very passionate about football and pretty much everything in my life. The most important thing is that I give my best wherever I go.

Tell us a bit about your early life growing up in Colombia and Venezuela…
I started playing football at five in a little club in Venezuela as a child because my father was playing there already. It was there where I also learned how to play baseball. I was very good at it and played that a lot. When I was a little bit older, my father decided to move to Colombia as he said it would be better for us to be there so that was when we relocated. I gave up baseball and, obviously, went on to play football.

Your father Radamel Garcia was a professional footballer – but a defender so a different type of player to you?
Yes, he was a very strong defender but he played well with the ball also. It came to my notice very early on from his style that he was a positive player who always played for the team. I quickly realised from watching him what I wanted to be, a footballer like him, and I learned a lot about the game.

You were named after the Brazilian midfielder Falcao who played at the 1982 World Cup – what is the story behind this?
My parents always said they liked him very much as a player and admired him because of his style of play. So they decided to ascribe his name to me. Although my mother was less in favour and not fully in agreement, my Dad made sure it happened.

Is it true your ancestors are from Selby in Yorkshire?
Yes, that’s right. My maternal grandfather was born in Yorkshire in England but was contracted to work for a company who had a base in Colombia. So they moved across to Santa Martre and they liked it very much. It was a sunny place with beaches and a seafront so they never went back to England and preferred to stay in Colombia. That’s where my grandparents and, of course, my parents are from. So I have English blood running through my veins!

Well, people have described you as an English-style centre-forward…
I was always told that the Premier League would suit my playing style and England has always attracted me. Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to come here so much so that I learned the language so I was preparing myself in some way for a future move to England.

Whilst growing up and while playing in Europe, did you watch much English football? Were Manchester United one of the teams that impressed you and which individual players did you admire here?
You know I always admired Ruud van Nistelrooy in my position. He was a star attraction for me. Above and beyond him, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes too for their style of play. It is much admired by players from all over the world. David Beckham, of course. I couldn’t fail to mention him as he has opened up the routes between continents as a footballer. They are legends who press all the right hero buttons. Eric Cantona as well – he was a very exciting and entertaining player to watch.

The Old Trafford crowd have already got behind you and have been singing your name. How does that feel?
Oh, it makes me very, very happy to be welcomed so much by the fans. It is really great to be appreciated like this and I want to thank them with all of my heart. I think the best way I can repay the supporters for their kindness towards me, and for all that love, support and appreciation, is to score goals and win trophies for them.

Credit: manutd.com