Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has stated that he will not rush back from injury just to play in the World Cup since he wants to be in the perfect shape for the rest of his career.

The 28-year-old is regarded as one of the finest strikers in the world. He made the £ 50 million move to Monaco in the summer. Even though he has been linked with a return to top level football with the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid, focus has been shifting towards the World Cup and his potential participation.

The striker is currently undergoing rehabilitation after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury a few months ago. He was initially set to return just before the World Cup. Falcao has been consistently saying that he will do anything to get back to the national team just-in-time ahead of this prestigious tournament, but he now has made a U-turn by stating that his health is first and foremost. Monaco have been saying that Falcao has made good progress in his attempts to recover from the injury, which has ended the careers of many players in the past.

In his absence, Monaco have lost out to PSG in the French title race. Falcao has scored 20 goals in 51 appearances for the national team.

“It is very clear that this pressure cannot be allowed to affect my recovery. I will do my best to get there and it would be ideal. But the important thing is to be well and to recover properly. I can’t allow my dream to be in Brazil with my country affect the condition of my knee. I feel good, the response of the knee in the first phase of the recovery has been positive. There have been no problems and that has allowed me to work well. The evolution has been rapid,” said Falcao.