Football
Mark Rodden 8y

Radamel Falcao injured as Monaco beat Fenerbahce

Radamel Falcao hopes that he will be fit for Monaco's Champions League playoff matches despite being forced off against Fenerbahce on Wednesday and confirmed he plans to stay with the club.

Falcao, 30, made Monaco's opening goal and scored the second from the penalty spot as they beat the Turkish side 3-1 at home in the second leg of their third qualifying round tie. 

That result was good enough for the principality club to qualify 4-3 on aggregate but Falcao did not feature in the second half due to a hamstring injury.

"I felt a pain in my leg," the Colombian striker told reporters after the game. "I hope I can be back for the playoff.

"It's a great qualification. We played very well and put a lot of energy in from the first minute. We were determined. I've been feeling very good since the start of preseason."

On his future, Falcao added: "Yes, I'm going to stay with Monaco this season."

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said: "I spoke with Falcao. He's going to have some tests. We hope it's not too serious because he's very motivated."

The Champions League playoff first legs will take place on Aug. 16/17 and the second legs are scheduled for Aug. 23/24.

Vasilyev also said that prized assets like Falcao and Fabinho will be staying with the club for the remainder of their European adventure.

"We don't need to sell. Our accounts are balanced," he said.

Monaco were leading 2-0 when Falcao was replaced by Guido Carillo and their manager Leonardo Jardim was happy that they managed to respond to Fenerbahce's second-half fightback.

"Few people saw Monaco going through but we've qualified," he said. "When you talk about Falcao, you're talking about one of the best attackers in the world. When he goes off, it's not good news.

"But I think that Carillo and the other players retained a great attitude and good tactical discipline. I think we managed the second half well. Over the two games, we deserved to qualify."

Valere Germain scored twice on the night and Vasilyev is happy to see the striker back at the club following his loan spell at Nice last season.

"He's a child of the club,"' Vasilyev told reporters. "I'm very happy for him. He was very good for Nice but we prefer to have him with us."

^ Back to Top ^