Friday 12 September 2014 11:38, UK
Radamel Falcao cannot wait to begin his career at Manchester United and insists he will have no problem adapting to life in the Premier League.
Falcao also confirmed that he has fully recovered from the knee injury which ruled him out of this summer’s World Cup and has set his sights on securing Champions League qualification for his new club.
Speaking at a press conference where he and fellow new-arrival Daley Blind were officially unveiled as United players, the Colombian striker stated he had quickly established a good relationship with his new teammates and was settling into life in Manchester.
“I am very happy to be here," said Falcao. "I’m used to life in cities like this and I won’t have a problem adapting.
“It’s a big challenge for me and my career and I always dreamed to be in a club like Manchester United.
“I started to play two months ago with Monaco and I’ve improved in the last month and feel very good in myself.
"I’ve scored goals and that is important for a striker. I am confident with my physical form and I am now comfortable with my knee.
“I’ve had a great welcome from everyone at the club. When you’re talking about a settling-in period, to be surrounded by quality players, real good footballers, makes that period all the more easy and it’s something that I’m looking forward to.”
United confirmed the signing of Falcao from Monaco on an initial season-long loan with an option of a permanent deal, hours after the transfer window closed on 1 September.
Falcao was the final signing of the window for United-boss Louis van Gaal, after the arrivals of Blind, Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo, and the prolific striker feels the additions will ensure that United will only be absent from the Champions League for a year.
“Every player wants to play in the Champions League,” he added. “This year it is not possible at Manchester United but we are confident we can qualify for next season.”
At the unveiling of his latest recruits, Van Gaal justified his recent transfer policy, insisting the arrivals were brought in to replace players who failed to adhere to his precise expectations, and the Dutchman claimed picking teams would now be an easier proposition.
“They (Falcao and Blind) have to perform our philosophy and this is not so easy, as we have seen already,” said Van Gaal. "I think the players we have selected can do that better, otherwise we would not have had to sign these players.
"We bought five players, one player is on loan here and maybe we can buy him, that is Falcao. We let 14 players go, so fitting these players in is not so difficult when only six come in to replace them.
"We now need youth and youth education, which is a policy of Manchester United. When you don’t let players go to other clubs, then you're never allowed to give youth players a chance.
“Because of this policy we can now give youth players a chance but the question is whether they take that chance. Of course it is a bit risky but I think it’s the only way to do it."
Dutch defender Blind made his £14m move to Old Trafford on deadline day, following much speculation that he would join his former Holland boss Van Gaal at Old Trafford.
The versatile 24-year-old can play in defence or midfield and said: “He (Van Gaal) was really important for me.
“He gave me a lot of trust during the World Cup and during the qualification games for the Dutch team.
"I'm happy to work again with the coach, I learned a lot from him and I hope I learn more. I'm getting better every day.
"For me I can play in both positions, as a defender and as midfielder.
“I want to play and, if it's on the left and if it's as a defender or if it's as a midfielder, then it's up to the coach. I'll try to do my best in the position where I play.”
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