Radamel Falcao was born on February 10 in Santa Marta, however, Bogotá was fundamental in his growth. His father, Radamel, played for Independiente Santa Fe, while he was growing up in the Fair Play club. His evolution was immediate and that is why in 1999 he made his professional debut at the age of 13 in Lanceros de Boyacá. Hernán Pacheco was the first coach who gave him that opportunity.
In AS Colombia, the coach recalled the story of why Falcao did not reach Millonarios despite being in tests, have the team shirt and receive the approval of the coach. “Professor Flaco Rodríguez arrives in Millonarios, Falcao was a child and at that time in Colombian soccer they did not believe in young players. Millionaires, like every big team, always want to fight for titles, at that time it was important to fight for titles with experienced players and they saw Falcao as a little boy, especially the managers, because I think Professor Flaco liked him, but the management did not draw attention to the topic. Falcao was 14 years old, he was a child, but he already had 10 or 15 games in the B as a professional,” he said.
Hernán Pacheco also revealed how he believes that love began Falcao for Millonarios, his friends were fundamental for Tigre to gain affection and love for the club. The forward was always attentive to the club, he stayed up late watching the games when he was in Europe and according to those closest to him, he also jokes with those who are not on the ambassador team.
“Falcao’s dream was always to play outside the country, he was a fan of Millonarios, but at that time he always said that he wanted to be one of the players in the world, to play in Argentina or Europe. I don’t remember his desire to play in Millonarios, but with his little group that was always around, the guys from Fair Play “They were all Millonarios fans and he was very fond of the team,” he said.
Arrival at Millonarios and the importance of returning to the FPC
Arrival at Millionaires: “Falcao is from the coast but grew up in Bogotá because of his father who played in Santa Fe. He always showed gratitude and affection for Millonarios. Everything that has been said about this issue of his return, that they are looking at what is best for him, but what I am sure of is that he always looks at family issues first rather than economic issues. Recently I was greeting him about a family issue that he had, I felt him a little overwhelmed by what happened to him.”
The importance of Falcao’s return to the FPC: “It is a privilege to be able to have him so close, because one says he arrives at Millonarios, the coaching staff is all my friends, Gamero, teacher Orlando Rojas, Arnoldo, everyone who is there, I go to greet them all the time. It would be a privilege for one to be able to have him so close and especially for Colombian soccer because it will give it an added bonus. Falcao comes and ends up being the scorer, look what happened with Rodallega. “El Tigre is a very serious, disciplined player, this also helps other teams follow his example.”
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