Falcao's 'dream to play for Real'

The free-scoring Colombian made an instant impression at the Vicente Calderon since joining from Porto last season, scoring 39 goals in all competitions as the Rojiblancos lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy in Bucharest.

The 26-year-old then hit a hat-trick in a dominant 4-1 victory over European champion Chelsea last week as Atleti lifted the Super Cup for a second time in two years.

But the striker's father has made an astonishing declaration that his son's ambition was always to play in the white shirt of Real Madrid.

Quoted in Marca, Radamel Garcia told Colombian radio programme 'En Gran debate de Todelar': "His dream is to play for Real Madrid.

"Since he was a boy he's always wanted to play there. Other teams in Europe like Chelsea and Manchester City were interested in him.

"If he can't play for Real Madrid, he'll play for a team in England.

"Of course he wants to go to the 2014 World Cup, but most of all, he wants to go to Real Madrid."

Perhaps embarrassed by his father's unexpected confession, Falcao took to his official Twitter account to express his commitment to his current club.

He wrote: "Just so the whole world is clear: my dream is to win titles with Atletico Madrid and to qualify for the World Cup with Colombia."