Monaco coach Jardim defends Radamel Falcao

Monaco's Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim on Thursday defended Colombian footballer Radamel Falcao, who featured with the French side in the 2-1 victory in the first round of the champions league against Tottenham, and maintained that he is a forward that cannot be assessed only by the number of goals he scores.

In remarks published by the French press, Jardim said Falcao came in handy in initiating attacks and represented a pivotal support for the team, and emphasized that he performed defensive roles as well,reports Efe.

The Colombian is looking forward this season to offset a difficult period that extended over two and a half years, after he suffered a massive injury to his knee in January 2014 which eventually prevented him from playing in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Monaco loaned its forward to Manchester United in 2014-15, then to Chelsea in 2015-16, where he gave poor performances.

Falcao has finally returned to Monaco this season and managed to score two goals against Turkish side Fenerbahce in the Champions League's playoffs.

--IANS

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