Birthdate:

10 Feb 1986

Birthplace:

Santa Marta, Colombia

Position:

Striker

Appearances:

22

Goals Scored:

Nickname:

El Tigre

Joined United:

01 Sep 2014

United Debut:

14 Sept 2014 v QPR (H)

International:

Colombia

Radamel Falcao has earned a reputation as one of the worlds most feared strikers branding
him the name El tigre. He is enjoying a glittering career which has spanned across South
America and Europe.
United's new no.9 was first spotted while playing for Lanceros in his native Colombia, where
Argentinian giants River Plate showed an interest in the player, before signing him for a fee
in the region of 300,000. The forward made a great impression for the clubs youth team,
and was handed a first-team debut in 2005, scoring seven goals in as many games for Los
Millonarios.
The 28-year-old suffered from injuries ahead of the 2006/07 season, forcing him to miss six
months of action, before returning to score his first goal in a Superclasico, helping his side to
a 2-0 win over rivals Boca Juniors. The following summer saw Falcao draw plenty of interest
from other clubs, including AC Milan and Brazilian side Fluminense. River kept hold of the
striker, who went on to win his first domestic title under the management of Diego Simeone
later that year.
Upon Simeones departure at the end of 2007/08, Falcao continued his impressive
goalscoring record despite River Plate suffering from a poor runof form.
Transfer speculation from further afield would repeatedly link the striker with a move to
Europe, as he finished the year as the clubs top scorer on 43 goals.
Falcao looked set for a switch to Benfica in July 2009, but the move fell through, paving the
way for the forward to sign for rivals FC Porto just days later. He scored on his league debut,
earning the Portuguese side a 1-1 draw against Pacos de Ferreira, and again in the
following three games to become an instant favourite among the clubs fans.

English fans got a first look at the striker in action in September 2009, as he made his
Champions League debut against Chelsea, before scoring the winning goal against Arsenal
in the last 16. Falcao finished the 2009/10 campaign on 34 goals.
The following season brought further successes for the striker as his goals helped Porto to
both domestic and Europa League titles. Falcaos three hat-tricks and resulting top scorer
award in the UEFA competition (he netted the winner against Braga in the final) earned him
widespread praise, and a contract extension later that summer
Falcao became Atletico Madrid's most expensive signing of all time when he joined the
Spanish side in August 2011, and enjoyed instant success, winning the Europa League for a
second consecutive season, as well as the tournament's golden boot.
The striker was again in great form during the 2012/13 season, netting against Barcelona
and Real Madrid in the league before playing a vital part in the clubs Copa del Rey triumph
over their fierce rivals, to earn his first domestic trophy with the Spanish side.
Falcao spent last season at AS Monaco, where he scored on his competitive debut, before
suffering a knee injury which kept him out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The striker was
Colombia's top scorer during qualifying for the tournament with nine goals. He made a return
to
action
during
pre-season,
scoring
in
a
1-0
win
over
Arsenal.
His move to United on a year-long loan captured hearts and minds, as a proven goal-getting
no.9 should. Falcao scored his first Reds goal in a 2-1 win over Everton in October and, after
building up his match fitness, in December he commanded a regular place in the team and
proved his poaching prowess with point-saving goals at Aston Villa and Stoke City. That
came with a message for supporters who so fervently sing his name: "I'd say thank you to
the fans for the way they have treated me. I hope we can bring them some happiness."
Of the late united man, Falcao, is experiencing a poor run of form but this does not stop the
fans from signing his name. The Athletico Madrid fans came up with a song and the United
fans didnt take long to pick up this song and let it out in the United atmosphere. To be
honest the song is kinda catchy. Lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo lo Radamel Falcaooooo!!