Falcao bids emotional Atletico farewell

Radamel Falcao fought back the tears as he bid an emotional farewell to Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

It was announced earlier this week that the Colombia forward had reached an agreement to join Monaco for the start of the 2013-14 season – a deal reported to be worth around 58 million euros.

Falcao, who has long been regarded as one of the hottest prospects in European football, could hardly hide his delight at the move on Friday, writing on his Twitter account: “I want to share with you that I will be a player of AS Monaco next season. I am eager to start this challenge! I count on your support!”

But he struggled to contain his emotions as he was honoured with a special ceremony by the Spanish club ahead of their final La Liga fixture against Real Zaragoza – which included a video montage of his highlights in the Atleti shirt.

“Thank you all,” he told the club’s official website. “To my team-mates, to everyone in the club, to the medical staff.

“These have been the best years of my career. I have lived moments that I never believed in these two wonderful years.”

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo had warm words for the outgoing striker, adding: ” I want to thank you, Falcao, for the professionalism, responsibility and commitment that you have demonstrated.”

The signing of the Colombian is the latest move in an ambitious close-season spending spree for Monaco as they seek to re-establish themselves at the top table of French football.

The newly-promoted outfit have already completed deals for Porto pair of Joao Moutinho and James Rodríguez, along with defender Ricardo Carvalho from Real Madrid.