James Rodriguez made a memorable impact on 2014 FIFA World Cup In just 23 years old, interest attracts some of Europe’s largest clubs. Now rediscovering its shape on Club LeonThe Colombian star has revealed why he in the end Chose Real Madrid over offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
During the 2013-14 season, James established himself as one of AS Monaco’s prominent players in France. But it was his dazzling World Cup campaign that really put him on the map. Despite Colombia’s quarter -final output against Brazil, James ended as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals in five matches – one of them served him the prestigious Puskas Award.
In a conversation with Edu Aguirre about the Spanish program Edu’s friendsJames revealed how his agent informed him of Real Madrid’s interest during the World Cup: “In the second or third match in the World Cup, (Jorge) Mendes told me Madrid wanted me but they were afraid it could distract me. I said, “What?” And then I scored a goal against Japan and two against Uruguay – that was the opposite. I played even better. “
The midfielder also revealed how Real Madrid President Florentino Perez played an important role in his decision. “City And PSG offered a lot of money for me, but Florentino called and told me: ‘Do you want honor or money?‘I replied,’Glory. ‘Then he told me:’ It’s done then“He remembers.

“I’ve always been a Madridista. Not even if Barça had called me in 2014 … Madrid is Madrid, man“He added.

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At 33 years old, James Rodriguez has worked with many top managers throughout his careerBut he credits two coaches in particular to make the greatest impact. On the question ZidaJames’s success pointed to the Frenchman’s exceptional man management skills: “Why did Zidane succeed? It had a lot to do with how he handled the group. In such a team, if you have it, it is. “
He also made comparisons with Carlo Ancelotti, whom he considers to be the best coach he worked with. “It’s like Ancelotti, the same thing – why does everyone perform well with him? Cake, Ballon d’Or Winner, Maldini, Cristiano, Me, Vinicius, Rodrygo … No one talks badly about him. Carlo is spectacular, for me the best in the world, here, at Bavaria or on Everton“He emphasized.
After working with Ancelotti on Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Everton, James revealed years ago The Italian coach played a key role in convincing him to join the Premier League page.