Colombian international James Rodriguez has put the big three Spanish clubs on red alert as he has admitted to a Spanish Radio station that it would be a dream for him to play in Spain.
The 22 year old has been superb in the World Cup finals, scoring five goals and assisting five in Colombia’s four games at the tournament.
Rodriguez scored both goals for the South American country as they beat Uruguay 2-0 to claim a place in the quarter finals of the competition last night.
The Monaco winger has certainly caught the eye of the top European sides, with Rodriguez admitting his admiration for the Spanish La Liga.
“I would love to play in Spain,” said James. “It would be a dream to play there – it is the best league in the world.”
Rodriguez then nailed his colour’s to the mast, as he stated that he actually prefer’s Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid side.
When pushed on his favoured destination, he told Cadena Cope: “I prefer Madrid to Barcelona.”
The attacking midfielder, who has been undoubtedly the star of the finals so far, stated his delight at the 2-0 win in Rio, which sets up a mouth watering Quarter final with Brazil on Friday evening.
“I’m happy because we won and we are through,” he continued.
“There’s no chance to value what I’m doing – maybe when this is over. Now you have to try to play every game like it’s your last.
“But it is historic – a dream come true for me. I always wanted to score in the Maracana and now I have.
“Uruguay had a lot of men behind the ball, so we needed plenty of movement up front and we got it. Now things are going to get harder but I believe we can go a long way.”
Rodriquez had a superb debut season at French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, having signed for the then newly promoted side for a €45 million fee from Portuguese side FC Porto, a club at which he enjoyed three superb years at, with the young Rodriguez linking up with former team-mate at Porto, and fellow Colombian international, Ramadel Falcao, who had also signed from Atletico Madrid.
James scored nine goals for his new side last season as they finished second in the League, and it will surely take a whopping bid by either Real, Atletico or Barcelona to prize him away.
But his recent comments may now sparke a bidding war between the three clubs, with Florentino Perez able to spend big in the transfer market, having proven that over the last few years with the signings of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and could gain another term as the clubs president should he land Rodriguez, with striker Falcao ready for a switch to the Bernabeu from the glitz and glamour of Monaco.
Whatever happens, Rodriguez could prove to be one of the transfer saga’s of the summer.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
