Falcao knew his stay at Atletico Madrid would be brief four months after joining

Radamel Falcao during his stay at Atletico Madrid

Radamel Falcao has said that he knew that his stay at Atletico Madrid would be a short one just four months after joining the Spanish club. He said that the economic problems that Atletico were experiencing made him realize he wasn’t in Spain for the long haul.

Currently at Manchester United, the Colombian said that he enjoyed his time at Madrid just like at all his other clubs.

He said, "I knew it would be difficult to remain at the club, principally due to the difficult financial situation that the club was experiencing at the time. There was constant talk of the need to sell me at the end of the season so I was well aware of the situation. After just four months, I knew my time at Atleti was to be brief.

"I've enjoyed playing everywhere. I've been happy everywhere in my life. Maybe the happiest times where shortly after arriving in Europe, at my time in both FC Porto and at Atlético Madrid. I'm very proud of everything I've achieved at every club that I've been fortunate to play for."

“A football player is NOT in charge of his own destiny”

When asked if a football player is in charge of his/her own destiny, Falcao replied, "No, I'd say not. It makes me laugh at times when I get asked why I didn't stay at a particular club or why I haven't moved to another side, as if they player has a choice in the matter.

"I'd say back to journalists, why don't you work at CNN or ESPN? It's the same in football. On very few occasions can the player make the decision to move from one club or to another. There have been occasions when I've not been able to live in the way I want, many times. I want to go to a particular club and in finally I end up at another."

Falcao moved from River Plate to Porto 2009 before being sold to Atletico in 2011. He moved to Monaco two years later and currently is on loan at Manchester United.