Rademel Falcao ignores Chelsea interest to pledge immediate future to Atletico Madrid

Rademel Falcao has pledged his immediate future to Atletico Madrid despite reported interest from Chelsea.

The Colombia striker has a £48million release clause, which Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is believed to be willing to meet in the January transfer window.

However, Falcao has reiterated his desire to stay until the end of the season when financial difficulties mean Atletico will almost certainly have to cash in on him.

He said: “I am proud to be here and I still have three years to go on my contract. I am very happy at Atletico at this time.

“There is some talk about my departure at the end of the season, but right now I am perfectly fine in Madrid. I am one with this club and my only concern is to help get it to the top.”

Atletico are second in La Liga, three points behind Barcelona, and Falcao said: “We are at a good moment. It is still too early to talk of the title but I am convinced that we will be up there.

“The priority remains to get a place in the Champions League, we will see about the rest.”

Manchester City and Real Madrid are also interested in the 26 year old, who helped Colombia draw 1-1 with Brazil in Wednesday’s friendly in New Jersey.