James Rodriguez joins Real Madrid
Updated: 2014-07-23 08:38
(Agencies)
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Rodriguez said: "I hope to win many titles here, Hala Madrid," invoking the club's chant.
Spanish sports newspapers Marca and As both reported that Madrid had agreed to pay French club Monaco 80 million euros ($108 million) for Rodriguez. He is expected to join the squad on Aug. 1.
Rodriguez's goal against Uruguay in the second round of the World Cup, when he chested the ball down and then volleyed it in, was voted the best goal of the tournament.
"I think they (Madrid) were interested in me before my goal against Uruguay," Rodriguez said. "But by scoring that goal I enhanced my chances of coming here."
Rodriguez will strengthen Madrid's attacking lineup, joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema up front.
The forward said he was aware of Madrid's strength in depth, adding that he was ready to play in different positions if required to do so by the coach.
"I just want to train hard and be in good condition for when I am called upon to play," he said.
The Colombia forward will wear the No. 10 shirt, vacated when Mesut Ozil left Madrid for Arsenal. The shirt is inscribed with just "James" above the number.
Asked if he had heard rumors that fellow countryman Radamel Falcao might also be headed for Madrid, Rodriguez said Falcao is a great player. "But it is not in my competence to talk about such things."
Rodriguez, who joined Monaco from Porto last year, is Madrid's second signing ahead of the new season after Germany midfielder Toni Kroos joined Thursday from Bayern Munich.
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