Outside of the Premier League, one of the most eye-catching transfers on deadline day was Radamel Falcao’s move to Rayo Vallecano.
The move brings Falcao back to Spain and LaLiga, where he originally achieved huge success with Atletico Madrid.
During his time with Diego Simeone’s side, the Colombian striker hit 52 goals in 68 league appearances and lifted the Europa League, Super Cup and Copa del Rey.
After signing for Monaco in 2013, he subsequently spent loan spells at Premier League sides Manchester United and Chelsea, before returning to France to score 21 goals in 29 games as Monaco lifted the 2016/17 Ligue 1 title.
Falcao then moved to Vallecano after two seasons at Galatasaray.
He was officially presented by the club on Wednesday to much acclaim.
His choice of shirt number, though, certainly sparked some debate.
As all football purists know, strikers generally tend to wear numbers seven, nine or any number above 12.
But Falcao opted for the number three shirt instead – and there were some interesting reactions on Twitter:
Falcao explains shirt number choice
Falcao did, however, go on to explain the touching reason why he opted for the unusual choice of number three.
His father, Colombian international defender Radamel Garcia, wore the number three during his playing career. Falcao is wearing the shirt in homage to his father, who sadly passed away in 2019.
He explained (via Get Spanish Football News): “That number has a lot of meaning. It’s a tribute to my father.
“He passed his passion for this sport onto me, and he played with that number. What better memory now that he is no longer with us.”
Falcao is yet to make his debut for his new side, having been on international duty with Colombia during early September.
He could make his first appearance tomorrow, when Vallecano host Getafe in LaLiga.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
