Radamel Falcao (Santa Marta, Magdalena, 1986) kept his smile despite his fatigue. The day had been long and intense. He started with the training, continued with the presentation and practically ended up attending AS. He faced the interview dressed in the Strip, wasting kindness and exuding illusion. The same that has infected a hobby that populated the stands of the stadium. The forward promises goals, but also work and dedication. A formula that he hopes will result in permanence, at least, and a ticket to the Qatar World Cup with Colombia. Now your country belongs to the Ray and that breath can lead you to dream without limits. He does not put them on goals or objectives. The 'Tigre' is not afraid of challenges and feels comfortable defending the Strip and the values it represents.
– What have been your first impressions since your arrival in Vallecas?
—I have found a team with a lot of quality, hunger and desire to fulfill the objectives that we have in First. In addition to a coaching staff that has made this team grow. Hopefully we can all achieve these goals together.
“What can Falcao give to Lightning and Lightning to Falcao?”
—I hope to help the team grow with all my experience. Hopefully he scores a lot of goals too, which is what strikers are for. Rayo has opened the doors for me to return to LaLiga, to continue in the elite and to be in a place that I know and where I think I won't need much time to adapt.
—Tell me about the story behind the number '3'.
—My father has been very important because he transmitted to me his passion for this sport. He is no longer with us and he used to play with this number. What better tribute than to play with his number.
“I chose the Rayo because it has demands and an important social mass, which demands that you give the best of yourself”
—Your family is one of the pillars of your life and has been fundamental in your decision to return to Madrid.
-Yes. It is a place that will facilitate the adaptation of the whole family and I was looking for a place to play, to enjoy, to stay current and to be competitive. The Lightning has opened the doors for me and I am very grateful. I hope to reciprocate.
—The objective of the team is permanence and Falcao's, the World Cup in Qatar?
-Yeah right. That is why I made the decision to come to the Spanish LaLiga and Rayo. A club with its demands and an important social mass, which demands that you be one hundred percent and give your best. That is my mindset and what I was looking for.
“Has this 'Falcaomania' surprised you? Many rayistas and many Colombians witnessed his presentation …
—I already knew that the Colombian people are going to support us, both Rayo and me. It will follow us. Today Rayo has half a country that is going to watch the games. I hope to give you many joys on the field.
—Come on, half of Colombia has made Rayo …
–(Laughs) Yes, yes, now there are going to be many Colombians in the stadium.
“It won't be the first time you've seen a Strip …”
-Is special. My beginnings were at River Plate and now, at this stage of my career, wearing the Strip again gives me a lot of joy.
“Has Mario Suárez been your guide?”
—Of course, because of the confidence we have, we were talking and he transmitted to me what the club is. I also chatted with Óscar Trejo because we shared several friends and we had faced each other in France. I asked them to find out what the club is like and I am very happy and grateful for the welcome they and the entire squad have given me.
“Tell me about the coach, Iraola.”
-It has sorprised me for good. It is a very young coaching staff and with a very modern football. He gives training a lot of intensity and that has been reflected in the games the team has played. The amount of points obtained for the performance that he has shown is unfair. I hope that now the victories will come that give us more peace of mind.
—The president said that he is one of the three best auctioneers in the world, along with Hugo Sánchez …
“And Pele!” (Laughs) I have to score a lot of goals now … (Laughs).
“Iraola has surprised me: he is young and his football is very modern. The team deserved more points for its performance”
“Has a figure been set?”
-No. Hopefully I can do many. There are no limits to be set. The most important thing is to be able to give that to the team.
“No limits to dreaming.” Do not stay only in permanence …
—I see the quality of the team and the human quality of the dressing room and I'm excited.
“How do you want Vallecas to remember you after your stint at El Rayo?” What impression would you like to leave?
—A guy who defended with everything in his shirt and shield and who gave the best of his football for the club.
—He knows the importance of values and of bravery, courage and nobility …
“It's written here.” I feel identified with them because otherwise I would not have come.