An Unsung Hero: Radamel Falcao receives standing ovation from Atletico Madrid fans

The striker scored 70 goals in 91 fixtures for the Los Colchoneros.

Whoever has been following Atletico Madrid for quite sometime must be knowing that AS Monaco skipper Radamel Falcao is a crucial part of the Spanish club's history and is loved by their fans.

If you have seen the LaLiga outfit in the early part of this decade, then you should be remembering the Colombian's hairstyle and impressive goal-scoring record for the Los Colchoneros.

???????? Welcome home, @FALCAO! Adelardo and @diegogodin, as well as the whole Atleti family, paid tribute to the Colombian striker before the game at the Wanda @Metropolitano! ???????????????? Thank you, Radamel! ????➡ https://t.co/1fkhGG9cBe#AúpaAtleti #AtletiASM pic.twitter.com/5zf8NSmW2U

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 28, 2018

The whole stadium paid tribute to the Colombian

El Tigre's career is a perfect example of "what could have happened?" Falcao amazed us all during his time with Atleti, scoring 70 goals in 91 fixtures, which sky-rocketed him to the foray of the best strikers in the world at that time. He automatically fell in the radar of top European clubs with a sack full of petrodollars. In those days, if the Los Rojiblancos needed a goal, the Colombian international was the go-to guy, and usually, he never failed.

Nowadays, the 32-year-old missed sitters quite often, but in those days, he never missed anything.

Radamel Falcao scored 70 goals in 91 games for Atletico Madrid... The home crowd were on their feet to welcome back El Tigre ???? pic.twitter.com/hRlh1h2fO8

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 28, 2018

Is Falcao Atletico Madrid's best player ever?

For his heroics with the club, Atletico fans gave him a standing ovation on his return to Spain, when his side Monaco took on Diego Simeone's side in the UEFA Champions League. Although Monaco lost and Falcao missed a late penalty, the reception received by Falcao will send a shiver down your spine.

The Fondo Sur singing Radamel Falcao’s name. A hero here despite his short stint. pic.twitter.com/W5aA8Jioxd

— Brendy Boyle (@BrendyBoyle) November 28, 2018

The entire stadium sang his name

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The reception has reminded the internet of what the club had once done. They had once borrowed a tiger to play with Falcao in the Vicente Calderon. You also might not be knowing that a statue of Falcao is also being built in his hometown in Colombia.

Throwback to that time Atleti borrowed a f**king tiger for Falcao to play with in the Calderon pic.twitter.com/sjZWYLjBhc

— AtléticoFans (@AtleticoFans) November 28, 2018

Throwback to when Atletico Madrid did the unthinkable with Falcao

A giant 19-foot statue of Radamel Falcao is being built in the Colombian's home town. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/imRZ6X6D3f

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) September 21, 2018

Falcao statue being built in Colombia

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The 19-foot statue in Colombia is being made by artist Antonio Irisma. The shows Colombia's top-scorer point at the sky similar to his trademark celebration style. On being asked about why is the sculpture being made, Irisma quipped, "For his discipline, perseverance and fight he is an example for children and adults to follow. We feel proud of this son of Santa Marta and that is why we wanted to create this work in his name. Everyone's wants him (Falcao) to visit the neighbourhood so that he can appreciate this heartfelt homage that he wanted to present him with affection and respect."

Radamel Falcao could have easily been one of the best strikers in Europe even now, if not for some bad decisions like the move away from Spain, or the move to England. Gone are the days, when he scored all kinds of goals, and here we are, seeing him missing spot-kicks.