Chelsea target Falcao to star in Dubai sports confab

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, considered to be one of the hottest transfer targets in Europe, will be the star attraction at the 7th Dubai International Sports Conference to be held at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 28-29.

The red-hot Colombian striker is the latest high-profile football personality to confirm for this annual conference that is one of the highlights on the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).

Falcao is expected to be one of the panelists on the second and final day of discussion at the annual conference which was graced by Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo last year.

Nicknamed ‘El Tigre’ and ‘King of the Europa League’ for his prolific goal-scoring exploits with the Spanish club, Falcao has been the target of several top clubs including city rival Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea against whom the 26-year-old scored a memorable hat-trick in the European Super Cup in August.

The much looked forward to Dubai International Sports Conference that is held annually under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, has so far attracted several top personalities from the footballing world including UEFA President Michel Platini, Ghana’s Abedi Pele and former England coach Fabio Capello this year.

"We have always strived to bring the best to Dubai and Falcao is by far the most interesting footballer at this moment with so much interest in him from other clubs," noted Mohammed Al Kamali Head of the DSC organising committee.

"Last year we had Cristiano Ronaldo here and Dubai got an opportunity to see a legend here. This year we have several others to captivate the interest of the fans," he added.

The annual Dubai International Sports Conference has been one of the main platforms for the sporting industry in the UAE and the Gulf in discussing important issues related to football and sports in general since the past six years.

Falcao is best remembered for his goal-scoring exploits with Portuguese club Porto that held coach Andre Villas-Boas secure a historic quadruple in 2010-11.

The Colombian forward made the move to Atletico last summer as a replacement for Manchester City-bound Sergio Aguero and has not stopped scoring since - his record in Spain standing at 35 goals in 45 league appearances in Spain.

That form has of course led to speculation that he could be destined for a big move to the Premier League in either the January transfer window or at the end of the season.

Chelsea have shown an interest in the Colombian as a replacement to the misfiring Fernando Torres, who could re-join his former club, while Manchester City seemingly want to add to their already impressive attacking line-up.

Cross-city rivals Real are also keen to shore up their strike-force and hence it will be interesting to see how the striker responds to this challenge.

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