Cerezo: Atletico cannot stop Falcao exit

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo admits the club are powerless to stop Radamel Falcao leaving should a team match his buy-out clause.

The Spanish side revealed they may have to sell their star striker with continuing financial problems while the Colombian forward has been linked with a move to Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid in recent months.

Cerezo was forced to concede Atletico cannot keep the former Porto man from leaving should the fee be triggered.

“If they come along with his release clause, if they bring the money, they pay it and the player agrees, he doesn’t even have to say goodbye,” Cerezo told a Madrid television channel.

“The issue is there, but I think that Falcao is a responsible person, a man who understands what a contract is, what his situation is and that he’s in the team he wants to be in.”

Cerezo believes Falcao will remain at Atletico as he is content with life at Vicente Calderon.

He said he did not think the Europa League holders would add to their squad when the transfer window opened in January.

“He’s very happy here and whilst that remains the case he will be an Atletico Madrid player,” Cerezo said.

“I don’t think we’ll sign anyone because we have a small but very complete squad.”

Diego Simeone’s side sit joint top of La Liga with Barcelona after picking up 19 points from seven games.