Radamel Falcao
Striker Radamel Falcao has scored 42 goals in 53 appearances for Atletico Madrid since 2011. Reuters

As a boy, Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao dreamed of one day playing at Santiago Bernabeu.

Falcao's father, Radamel Garcia, told Marca his son's life-long dream Wednesday.

"Since he was a boy he's always wanted to play there," Garcia said. "Other teams in Europe like Chelsea and Manchester City were interested in him.

"If he can't play for Real Madrid, he'll play for a team in England.

"Of course he wants to go to the 2014 World Cup, but most of all, he wants to go to Real Madrid."

The 26-year-old Columbian native has been linked to Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea since this summer, but a deal was never finalized. City reportedly offered £47 million, and a move could take place during January's transfer period, due to Atletico's financial woes and their strong working relationship with City.

Falcao later disputed his father's claims on Twitter.

"So that everybody is clear: My dream is to keep on winning things with Atletico Madrid and help Colombia to get a place in World Cup 2014," Falcao said.

Falco joined Atletico in 2011 from Porto for £37 million, and has made 53 appearances and scored 42 goals.