Falcao reveals what famous footballer he was named after

Oct 14, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; Colombia forward Falcao Garcia gets tripped up by Canada defender Andre Hainault in front of midfielder David Edgar during the second half of their international friendly soccer game at Red Bull Arena. Colombia defeated Canada 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has admitted that Brazilian midfielder Paulo Roberto Falcao who played for the South American national side during the 1982 World Cup is the reason he got his name.

The 28-year-old striker was born just a few years after the 1982 competition and his dad always had his child’s name set should he find out he had a boy.

And with his name now becoming a leading force in world football, Falcao will be hoping to deliver the goals at United which saw him become such a major hit across the European leagues.

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Falcao is already loved by United fans and his equaliser against Aston Villa on the weekend done some enhancing on his reputation. The striker completed his first 90 minutes for the side and he will be expected to stay in the starting XI when the side take on Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that he was impressed with the forward and all signs point to a Falcao-van Persie partnership for the remainder of the season.

And in a recent interview with Inside United, the striker spoke about how he got his name with his dad also a professional footballer back in his time. He said:

"“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.”"

Paulo Roberto Falcao gained renown in Europe when he played for Italian side Roma and his performances for the club inducted into the club’s hall of fame.

With Falcao at the Red Devils until May it’s believed his agent Jorge Mendes is hoping to have a deal done before March so he doesn’t have to search for another club so late on in the season.

The 28-year-old turns 29 in February and with a busy Christmas period coming up he can do a lot of damage if staying fit.