James Rodriguez is determined to make history at Real Madrid rather than crumble under the pressure of becoming the fourth most expensive player of all time.
The 23-year-old World Cup Golden Boot winner signed a six-year contract with the European champions yesterday, with Monaco receiving a reported €80m fee in exchange. If that figure is correct then Rodriguez trails only Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo – both now team-mates at Real and Barcelona’s Luis Suarez on the list of football’s most expensive transfers.
The Colombian attacking midfielder is not fazed by or interested in figures and told a press conference: “The numbers mean nothing to me. I just want to help make history and bring joy to the Madrid fans. This is a club which is used to winning and I’m prepared mentally and physically to do so. It is a pleasure to be among so many stars and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from everyone.”
After signing his contract alongside Real president Florentino Perez and being formally presented to the media, Rodriguez retreated inside to change into the famous white kit for the first time. He emerged to a rapturous reception from a 45,000-strong crowd, around a third of whom were wearing Colombia shirts.
Then while he kicked balls into the crowd – as is traditional – he was rushed by several enthusiastic supporters and made a point of embracing them before they were ushered away by security.
Ruled out
Jürgen Klopp has ruled out
Manchester United
signing central defender Mats Hummels and has said
Marco Reus
will not be leaving
Borussia Dortmund
either.
“I can assure everyone that there are no signs that those two players want to leave. Marco and Mats will play for us the next season,” Klopp said. “What are we talking about today? Mats to Manchester United? For how much? €20m? With those kind of sums can you forget that straight away.”
Meanwhile, Stoke City have signed one-time Spain international forward Bojan Krkic from Barcelona on a four-year deal.
