Falcao at Monaco for long haul

Radamel Falcao has rejected speculation that his stay at Ligue 1 side Monaco will be a fleeting one.

The Colombian stunned observers by opting to sign for the big-spending principality club, joining Claudio Ranieri’s side over the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Critics have suggested that Falcao will treat the Stade Louis II outfit as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

However, the 27-year-old played down talk of a short stay in a Monaco and insisted that he plans to remain with the club for the long term.

“I don’t think like this,” he told El Heraldo.

“Monaco enticed me because they have a long-term project, because their board are serious and because I love challenges.”

Falcao also revealed his hope that former team-mate and compatriot Fredy Guarin will join him at Monaco.

“I hope Guarin comes, it would make me very happy,” he added.

“We are friends and at Porto, along with James (Rodriguez), we won many things.

“If the three of us play for the same club, that will be good for the national team.”