James Rodriguez on Tuesday became the fourth most-expensive player ever, signing a six-year deal with European champion Real Madrid for a reported fee of 80 million euros ($101 million),according to Marca. Only new teammates Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona striker Luis Suarez have cost more.
Rodriguez, who was the top scorer at the World Cupin Brazil with six goals in five games for Colombia, won the Portuguese league three years in a row with FC Porto before joining AS Monaco in France last season, where he scored nine goals in 34games.
Monaco vice-chairman Vadim Vasilyev said his club had no plans to sell Rodriguez, but were proud to be part of “one of the most significant transfers in football history”.Vasilyev said: “The time came when the solution of a transfer was considered to be the most beneficial solution for all parties.”