There was a time when Radamel Falcao was highly-rated across European football.
It all started so well for the Colombian, who scored bags of goals for Porto, Atletico Madrid, and Monaco before trying his luck in the Premier League.
As far as adaptions to English football go, Falcao’s has got to be up there with the worst.
The striker initially joined Manchester United, before Jose Mourinho – then Stamford Bridge manager – decided to give him a chance at Chelsea, at least to prove that he could get the best out of the player.
Needless to say, that didn’t work out either, and this summer Falcao ended his miserable time in England by returning to Monaco.
The club have come out in support of him and tried to explain why he was such a flop in the Premier League – and it’s not pretty for either United or Chelsea.
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev told the Daily Mail he blamed both clubs.
“Both clubs in England failed to relaunch him (after his injuries),” he said.
“I don’t know whether Manchester United and Chelsea did not have the patience or the desire to do that but I am quite sure this year we will see Falcao at his previous best.
“He is the same Falcao as he ever. We’ve seen that in pre-season. He scores goals, he’s there and he is motivated, we are motivated and I think this will be his year.”
It’s fair to say few other clubs will be taking a chance on him, but it remains to be seen whether he will be back to his best for Monaco, who face Tottenham in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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