Intro:

Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim refused to discuss transfer speculation surrounding Radamel Falcao on Friday (1st August) ahead of the Emirates Cup in London, which begins on Saturday (2nd August).

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese) Leonardo Jardim, Monaco manager (Q: After such a serious injury how if Falcao physically and mentally?)

"Of course it is difficult for the player. In psychological terms he's had a lot of support from the people around him. In physical terms it's always a little more difficult but he is close to one hundred per cent and in the next two games that will of course be a good step for him to take forwards to getting close to that one hundred per cent."

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese) Leonardo Jardim, Monaco manager (Q: How crucial is Falcao to your hopes of winning Ligue 1?)

"We can't hold our hopes for one hundred per cent on Falcao because he has been out of the game for a long time, but of course with these two upcoming games he should be fit enough."

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese) Leonardo Jardim, Monaco manager (Q: How much will you miss James Rodriguez this season?)

"Of course James was an important player last season but we cannot count on him now and we need to look for a replacement that will be of quality to take that place and make the team stronger."