The hour of Falcao has arrived, the hour of the captain

One year and a half after the injury that made the path difficult, El Tigre returns to the place that enhances his talent. Venezuela is the first challenge to respond to Pékerman's trust and the team.

The captain's armband symbolizes his maturity

Many matches have passed since the Copa América in Argentina. He shone in Porto, was consecrated in Atlético de Madrid, became stronger in Monaco and fought in Manchester United. Experiences that marked his personality and his football.

24 hours before facing Venezuela, El Tigre talked about the rival and what the match represents, which will be played this Sunday at the El Teniente de Rancagua stadium. Falcao is ready for Chile 2015.

Football level

It depends on the parameters by which you judge Falcao. Sometimes it was said that I didn't fit well in the system and still scored goals. Today I may have a more complete football and score less. When I score, you say "Falcao is back", but no, Falcao has always been here.

The role of the press

The speculations that have been generated about my comeback are not true, everything would change if I came across a ball, scored a goal and maybe I was a disaster during the 90 minutes. I am calm. Today there is a much more complete Falcao, once a coach said that my natural habitat was the area and nowadays it is not so much like that, but very few people who know about football can differentiate and understand it. But it is part of your job, you have to sell newspapers, so I accept it normally.

The captain's armband

It is an honor to be captain of this group, of this team. It is very special because of the relationship we have among all of us. Being the visible face of these players is a great responsibility. However, things don't change much, from my position I was trying to contribute the best for the team and this remains. I will continue with the mentality and the way I handle things.

From saying goodbye to the World Cup to the Copa América

I don't take it as revenge, it is an opportunity that God and football give me. I have mixed feelings about the places where we have prepared, but for me it is an opportunity and I assume it with enthusiasm. I hope that the objectives and what we dream as a group can be fulfilled, it would be very nice to experience something similar to what our country experienced in the World Cup.

The evolution of Colombia

This team has grown a lot in recent years. It is a team that realized that it could win, that it could play on par against any team. Their self-esteem and mentality have improved. This team knows very well where it is going. They have tried to focus on what is beneficial and not on what is not worth it. The feeling is one even though we are 23 players.

His strike partner

All the forwards are in good form, they are prepared. José has tried some of them at different times and all have responded in the best way. Deciding who will play is a decision that belongs to the coaching staff.

Partnership with James

We have been playing together for several years, since our time at Porto. So we have a good understanding and communication. Hopefully, each one of us will give our best to the team from our positions. We have had a good foundation for several years and that has allowed the evolution of this Colombian National Team.

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