James Rodriguez signs for Real Madrid for 63 million Euro

Columbia Player James Rodriguez signs with Real madrid football club for 6 years.

He emerged to a rapturous reception from a 45,000-strong crowd, around a third of whom were wearing Colombia shirts.

Then while he kicked balls into the crowd – as is traditional for new high-profile arrivals to do – he was rushed by several enthusiastic supporters and made a point of embracing them before they were ushered away by security.

He said: “I’ve always followed Real Madrid and always dreamed of playing football here. I’ve suffered a lot to get here and when you do that then it tastes so much better.

“I will never forget this day. I hope to work hard, to train well, and to experience a lot of joy here. I know I am under a lot of pressure, but I am happy to face it.”

The fee makes Rodriguez the fourth most expensive transfer of all time after Real’s £86m for Gareth Bale and £80m for Cristiano Ronaldo, and Barcelona’s £75m for Luis Suárez.

“The numbers mean nothing to me,” he said. “I just want to help make history and bring joy to the Madrid fans".