Barely two weeks ago James Rodriguez left the pitch in Fortaleza in tears after Colombia were knocked out of the World Cup by hosts Brazil, but he was in rather better spirits on Tuesday as he was unveiled as Real Madrid's latest Galactico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old was the top scorer at this summer's tournament, striking his sixth and final goal from the penalty spot against the Selecao - and, in the process, famously picked up a new friend in the shape of an enormous grasshopper.
And now James, sans giant insect, has become the fourth most expensive player in history after sealing a £63 million move to the Spanish capital, where he can look forward to playing alongside two of the three players who have cost more than him, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, as well as fellow summer recruit Toni Kroos.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 10:00