Previously linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea, Colombia striker Radamel Falcao is confident that he hasn't made a mistake with his surprise move to promoted French club Monaco.
Despite expectations he would move to a major European club, Falcao joined Monaco from Atletico Madrid in an offseason deal worth an estimated 60 million euros ($78 million).
''I understand that this could have come as a surprise,'' the 27-year-old said when he was presented at a news conference on Tuesday. ''It's a pity there's no European Cup, but that's how it is. But the aim is to win the title so that we can play in the Champions League next year.
''We have other motivations than Europe this season, we want to win all the competitions we're in and that's already enough. Many people may believe that this is a mistake, but I'm sure they will change their opinion once we have won titles.''
Falcao scored 52 league goals in two seasons for Atletico. He recently helped the club win the Copa del Rey, beating Real Madrid 2-1 on its crosstown rival's home soil.
Owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, Monaco won the second division title last season.
Monaco's recent spending spree has also brought in former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal, Porto pair James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho, and France midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who joined from Malaga.
