In 2008, he was signed by Argentinian side Atletico Banfield where he became known as "James Bond of Banfield" after scoring an extraordinary left-footed lob for the unfashionable side in February 2010. Today Real Madrid has finally completed the signing of Colombian striker James Rodriguez, the top scorer at the World Cup, from Monaco on a six-season contract.
Rodriguez, 23, scored six goals for Colombia at the World Cup to win the Golden Boot award. Shortly before the announcement, Rodriguez posed for pictures and gave the thumbs up sign as he left a Madrid clinic where he passed a medical test.
"I am very happy. We will talk later," he told reporters. The Colombian striker is Real's second major signing in five days as they prepare for a new season of confrontation against eternal rivals Barcelona. German midfielder Toni Kroos moved from Bayern Munich on Thursday, just days after the 24-year-old helped Germany win the World Cup.
Real have also been linked with a move for Keylor Navas, the goalkeeper whose heroics helped Costa Rica reach the World Cup quarter finals. Navas plays with Levante in the Spanish first division. Rodriguez 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.
Spanish sports daily Marca, which has close ties with Real Madrid's board, said Real will pay 75 million euros straight away and up to five million more in add-ons. If confirmed, the fee would make Rodriguez the fourth most expensive player in history behind Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo (both of Real) and Luis Suarez who joined Barcelona this month.
Rodriguez went to the World Cup as Colombia's second best known striker. But Radamel Falcao was injured in January leaving the starring role to his Monaco teammate as Colombia reached the last 16 for the first time.
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