OFFICIAL: Falcao joins AS Monaco

AS Monaco have confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao.



The Colombian passed a medical at the newly-promoted Ligue 1 club on Thursday after the French club met his release clause of €60m.



The move is a huge coup for Monaco, who have vast financial backing despite their lowly status, having only just been promoted to Ligue 1 this season. The move comes after the club also completed the signings of Falcao's international teammate James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, both from Porto.



Spending is expected to continue for the club, who are also rumoured to be close to completing a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes as they attempt to put together a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League and challenging the likes of Paris Saint-Germain in France.



Atleti will now face the daunting prospect of replacing the Colombian, who was key to an excellent La Liga campaign for the club this season, as he scored 28 goals in just 34 games.

Man City rule out Falcao & Neymar

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has denied the club are chasing the signatures of Radamel Falcao and Neymar.



Reports have suggested City are among the chasing pack lining up moves for Atletico Madrid hit-man Falcao and Brazil sensation Neymar.



Manchester City may have ruled out a bid for Falcao but which club will secure his signature? Latest odds



Falcao has been linked with a host of clubs, including Chelsea, Monaco and Real Madrid following his goalscoring exploits for Atletico over the last couple of seasons.



Santos attacker Neymar is also being chased by Europe's top clubs with the skilful playmaker expected to leave South America for Europe after the 2014 World Cup.



However, Soriano insists the pair are not on City's transfer radar as they begin plans for their summer transfer plans.



"Neymar and Falcao? [These reports are] false, they have never been on our agenda," Soriano is quoted as saying on Tuttomercatoweb.com.



Soriano also moved to play down talk that Sergio Aguero could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.



Reports have suggested Aguero could be keen on a return with Spain with Real Madrid long-term admirers of the Argentine international.



Soriano insists City have no plans to sell Aguero and that the 24-year-old is happy to stay at the club.



"The first thing I want to emphasise is that we have never thought of selling Aguero. El Kun will be happy to stay with us this year," Soriano added.

Falcao is happy at Atletico

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao insists he is happy to stay at the club despite speculation over a summer move.



Falcao has been linked with a switch to Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as Monaco, but the former Porto favourite believes he will only move if the Spanish Cup winners decide to cash in on his services.



The 27-year-old Colombia international is under contract with Atletico until 2016.

"I haven't thought about a move too much," Falcao told Sky Sports News. "The reality is that I have three years left on my contract with Atletico.



"I haven't thought about a move too much. The reality is that I have three years left on my contract with Atletico."

Radamel Falcao

"It's true that last season during the summer there was a lot of speculation with clubs being named as a possible destination, but the truth is that I've not thought about it.



"Of course, it depends on what the financial needs of my club are and what sort of efforts Atletico make to keep me.



"I've been trying not to think too much about the rumours of clubs being linked with me.



"Instead, I've been focusing on my objectives as a player and as a team member of Atletico Madrid."

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Falcao backed for move

Radamel Falcao has the full backing of Atletico Madrid as he is set to choose his next club this summer.

The Colombia international is regarded as the best striker on the planet and has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Monaco in recent months.

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin insists that, having already replaced stars such as Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero, he is relaxed about the player's exit and admitted that the club had agreed to allow him to leave if he stayed for this season.

"Atletico knows how to change good strikers," Marin told.

"Fernando Torres, Forlan, Aguero and now Falcao.

"We don't know who exactly will be the next one but we know Atletico will have a strong team next season.

"Before the start of the season we talked with the player and we promised him that if he kept the same performance and helped us to the UEFA Champions League, Atletico would help him.

"Every decision that he takes, Atletico will be with him."

Falcao has scored 70 goals in two seasons at Atletico and has succeeded in helping secure Champions League football for the club with the Madrid outfit set to finish third in La Liga.
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Falcao plays down exit talk

Radamel Falcao has once again dismissed reports he is set for a summer departure from Atletico Madrid, claiming he is more than happy to see out his contract in Spain.



The 27-year-old has been strongly tipped with a move away from the Primera Liga, with Monaco the latest name to be linked with the Columbian, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also thought to be keen admirers of the forward.



Falcao, though, insists there is no truth in any of the reports he is on the verge of leaving the Vicente Calderon Stadium, and is adamant his focus is solely on Atletico Madrid, who face city rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Friday evening.



"I don't know anything (about a transfer), and the only thing that I have in my mind and keep concentration is on Atletico Madrid," he is quoted as saying.



"I don't know anything. I keep myself apart of what is being said. If it was for the press, I have already been transferred to all the teams in Europe, like Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United.



"I don't find true any news that is being said about me".



He added: "The only real thing is that I am under contract until 2016, all the rest is only speculation. I don't know anything about Monaco. I have my mind focused where I am."




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Falcao plays down United talk

Atletico Madrid ace Radamel Falcao has moved to play down talk linking him with a possible move to Manchester United.



Reports emanating from Spain last week claimed United were in pole position to land the in-demand striker this summer as they look to win the race for the Colombia international.



Falcao is one of the most sought-after players in Europe following his goalscoring exploits for Atletico with the likes of United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid all credited with an interest in his services.



Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson have both rejected speculation of a deal being agreed with United and now Falcao has distanced himself from the transfer talk, saying he is focused on Atletico.

"In recent weeks I have tried to isolate myself and not think about the rumours about my future," Falcao told Colombian radio station RCN.





"I do not really know where that information has come from [joining Manchester United], that is part of the press.



"I'm focused only on Atletico Madrid. I do not let the market rumours affect my performance."



Turning his attentions to the national team, Falcao admits it is his dream to play at a World Cup with Colombia.



"That's the bottom line and what everyone wishes in the national team," Falcao said of qualifying for next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil. "The biggest dream I have is to play a World Cup and be a star.



Colombia are currently third in the South American qualifying group and Falcao believes they are well-placed to reach Brazil.



"I think we're on track, although it takes a lot in this group," continued Falcao.



"We have important games ahead against Peru and Argentina and it is necessary to get good results because that would allow us to get closer to our goal, which is qualification."