Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao reveals his mother didn't want to name him Falcao

The striker is named after the Brazilian footballer who featured at the 1982 World Cup

Radamel Falcao has revealed his mother wasn't keen on naming him after the Brazil midfielder who played at the 1982 World Cup, but his father "made sure it happened".

The Manchester United striker, whose full name is Radamel Falcao García Zárate, was named after the Brazilian midfielder Falcao who made 28 appearances for The Selecao.

In an interview with Inside United, Falcao confirmed that he was named after the player although it took some persuasion from his father.

"My parents always said they liked him very much as a player and admired him because of his style of play. So they decided to ascribe his name to me. Although my mother was less in favour and not fully in agreement, my Dad made sure it happened."

The Manchester United striker's father was a professional football, however he played at the other end of the pitch to his son, who is at Old Trafford on loan from Monaco.

"Yes, he was a very strong defender but he played well with the ball also," said Falcao.

"It came to my notice very early on from his style that he was a positive player who always played for the team. I quickly realised from watching him what I wanted to be, a footballer like him, and I learned a lot about the game."

In the interview, Falcao also confirmed his Yorkshire roots, bragging "I have English blood running through my veins!".

"My maternal grandfather was born in Yorkshire in England but was contracted to work for a company who had a base in Colombia. So they moved across to Santa Martre and they liked it very much. It was a sunny place with beaches and a seafront so they never went back to England and preferred to stay in Colombia. That’s where my grandparents and, of course, my parents are from. So I have English blood running through my veins!"

Falcao has endured a difficult start to life at Manchester United, with injuries curtailing his appearances. The Colombia international will want to improve on his tally of just one goal, particularly considering his ambition to play in the Premier League.

"I was always told that the Premier League would suit my playing style and England has always attracted me. Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to come here so much so that I learned the language so I was preparing myself in some way for a future move to England."

Falcao said earlier this week that he wants to make his deal permanent, something only likely to happen if he can stay fit and start finding the back of the net. The striker is also keen to get on the goal trail in order to repay the fans that have he says have welcomed him "so much".

"I think the best way I can repay the supporters for their kindness towards me, and for all that love, support and appreciation, is to score goals and win trophies for them."