The Cafetero idol was delighted to see his countryman hit twice in the Europa League final, and praised what he saw as a potential new golden generation
Colombian legend Carlos Valderrama has saluted Radamel Falcao after his brilliant double helped Atletico Madrid to the Europa League title on Wednesday, stating that the striker's achievements should serve as motivation for the entire Cafetero side to reach his sparkling level.The former River Plate and Porto forward scored twice as los Colchoneros destroyed La Liga rivals Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in Bucharest, sealing their second Europa League success in the last three years.
Falcao, meanwhile, lifted the trophy for the second consecutive season; having tasted glory with the Portuguese outfit 12 months ago.
Speaking on Friday afternoon, 'El Pibe' Valderrama praised his compatriot's impeccable scoring instinct, and stated that every Colombian should be happy to share in the triumph of Atletico and Falcao.
"We are all delighted here for what Falcao has done for Atletico Madrid, and the Colombian people are very proud because he is a player with a great eye for goal, which is not common", the former No. 10 told EFE.
"He is also a man who never gives up and he takes every opportunity that is placed in front of him."
Valderrama continued to state that, besides Falcao, players such as James Rodriguez, Teofilo Gutierrez and Hugo Rodallega have the ability to form a Colombian golden generation on par with the stars of the 1990s.
"Great players are now coming out of Colombia, like the ones we had before with Freddy Rincon, Leonel Alvarez, Faustino Asprilla, Rene Higuita, Oscar Serna, Oscar Cordoba, Jorge Bermudez. To sum up, a fantastic group of footballers," he explained.
Valderrama represented his country 111 times and played in three World Cups between 1990 and 1998.
