RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- One day after being forced to sit out most of the finals of the World Cup of indoor soccer, Falcao received positive news in regard to his injury on Monday.
The Brazilian national team defeated Spain to win their first World Cup in 12 years. The game was tied 2-2 after regulation time, taking the decision to penalty kicks. Brazil won the title without much participation from their star player.
After receiving the good news that his injury suffered in Sunday's game was less serious than first thought, Falcao declared from the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo that he will take three months off in order to recuperate and celebrate the victory.
This file photo shows Falcao of Brazil (R) fights for the ball with Nobuya Osodo of Japan during their FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifying soccer match at the Gimnasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, September 30, 2008
The injury to his left knee is the worst the player has ever suffered. However, the athlete will not need corrective surgery. Falcao was also named the tournament's most valuable player.
"Based on what we saw yesterday, the medical exams were quite positive. The injury could have been a lot worse if he continued to play. We did the right thing by taking him out of the game," said Andre Pedrinelli, the team doctor who accompanied Falcao in the hospital on Monday.
"Things aren't so bad. I was in pain all day long. But, in the end, I am only going to have an extended vacation," said the striker.