Radamel Falcao has claimed that a lack of consistent game time is responsible for his poor form the last two seasons, not injuries.

The Colombian striker found the net just four times in 26 appearances on loan at Manchester United last season and has managed one goal so far this term in nine appearances for Chelsea.

A knee injury sustained at Monaco prior to his Old Trafford move has been cited as the reason for his form, although Falcao denied that his current injury layoff is related.

"I have recovered from my knee injury. The problem is since then I have not had the chance to play a whole season to get back my confidence and become competitive again," Falcao told Semana magazine in his homeland.

"If I had had that regular football, you would not be saying this right now. I try not to destabilise myself. People talk a lot, but they also say some positive things and I try to welcome those messages because they encourage me and it what I am looking for.

"Everyone is free to express their opinions but I think that journalists should do it with more responsibility. They lack accuracy. Today they do not go to the source to confirm the news and say things that are not true. The only thing they haven't said yet is that Falcao is going to play in a team outside the Earth."

A recent leaked transfer document revealed that Falcao, who has not featured for Chelsea since October, can join the Blues permanently this summer for a fee of £37.8m.