World Cup star Rodriguez joins Real

adamhigginsuk
Jul 22, 2014
2 min read

Man of the moment: Rodriguez lit up the World Cup with a spectacular array of goals, assists, flicks and tricks (Picture from FTBPro.com)

REAL Madrid have captured Colombia superstar James Rodriguez from AS Monaco in a deal reportedly worth £63 million.

The 23-year-old has signed a six-year contract with the European champions after completing a successful medical on Tuesday morning.

Although the fee has not been confirmed by either team, Rodriguez is set to become the fourth most expensive transfer of all time after Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez.

He is now the most expensive Colombian in history, eclipsing Radamel Falcao's £50 million move from Atletico Madrid to Monaco in May 2013.

Rodriguez was a revelation during the World Cup finals in Brazil, scoring six goals and assisting two more for his country to collect the Golden Boot award.

He netted in all of Colombia's five matches including a brace against Uruguay in the round of 16 with his sensational 25-yard volley named goal of the tournament by Fifa.

Rodriguez will join a formidable attacking quartet for the Champions League winners, consisting of Karim Benzema, World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale which is also accompanied by recent signing Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich.

The Cucuta-born playmaker first made the grade at Buenos Aires-based outfit Banfield in Argentina at the age of 17 before attracting the attention of FC Porto, who signed him for £4 million in 2010.

He helped the Portuguese giants win three successive league titles and the 2011 Europa League prior to his £38.5 million move to Monaco last summer.

The left-footed forward scored 10 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions while his nine league goals and 12 assists - more than any other player in the division - last season helped Monaco finish second in Ligue 1 behind Paris St Germain.

"The club would like to take the opportunity to thank James for the role he played in getting the club back to the Champions League and wishes him the very best for the future," a statement on Monac's club website read.

"The club had no intention to sell the player, however the time came when the solution of a transfer was considered to be the most beneficial solution for all parties.

"Monaco is proud to be a party to one of the most significant transfers in football history.

"Monaco is a club that will continue to grow and remains focused on the future. More than ever it has the ambition to strengthen the team and continue to progress for next season."

MOST EXPENSIVE WORLD TRANSFERS: