22nd July, 2014
Real Madrid on Tuesday signed Colombian striker James Rodriguez, the top scorer at the World Cup, from Monaco on a six season contract, the Spanish giants said.
Neither team gave the transfer fee, but Spanish media have spoken of a figure of around £60million. Rodriguez, 23, scored six goals for Colombia at the World Cup to win the Golden Boot award.
The playmaker will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale to create one of the world’s most feared attacking line-ups. He will be unveiled at the Bernabeu at 7pm Tuesday evening.
Rodriguez joined Monaco last summer from FC Porto for £35million but caught the eye of Madrid after inspiring his country at the World Cup.
Rodriguez scored both goals in his country’s 2-0 win against their South American rivals Uruguay last month, but it was exquisite opener that captivated those 70,000 spectators inside the iconic Maracana Stadium and the millions around the world watching.
Shortly before the announcement, Rodriguez posed for pictures and gave the thumbs up sign as he left a Madrid clinic where he underwent medical tests.
“I am very happy. We will talk later,” he told reporters.
He had only been at Monaco for one year but his sizzling performance at the World Cup made him the number one target for many European clubs.
In a FIFA.com poll released Monday, his volley against Uruguay in the last 16 was declared goal of the tournament by more than four million voters — three quarters of those who took part.
The goal established the global reputation of the young playmaker.