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28 March 2024

Transfer latest: Real Madrid sign World Cup Golden Boot winner Rodriguez

Colombia's midfielder James Rodriguez celebrates his goal during the Round of 16 football match between Colombia and Uruguay at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 28, 2014. (AFP)

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By Agencies

Real Madrid have signed Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez from Monaco on a six-year contract, the La Liga club said on Tuesday.

"Real Madrid and AS Monaco have reached an agreement for the transfer of James Rodriguez that will see keep him at the club for the next six seasons," Real said in a statement on their website.

The World Cup's Golden Boot winner with six goals, who will be presented at the Bernabeu later on Tuesday, is Real's second major signing of the transfer window after Germany midfielder Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich.

No details of the fee for Rodriguez were disclosed but media reports said it was around 80 million euros ($107.9 million).

Shortly before the announcement, Rodriguez posed for pictures and gave the thumbs up sign as he left a Madrid clinic where he underwent medical tests.

"I am very happy. We will talk later," he told reporters.

He 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.

In a FIFA.com poll released Monday, his volley against Uruguay in the last 16 was declared goal of the tournament by more than four million voters - three quarters of those who took part.

The goal established the global reputation of the young playmaker, who cost Monaco 45 million euros (60 million dollars) when he signed from FC Porto of Portugal.

Rodriguez, 23, first came to Europe in 2010 after signing for Porto and won the Portuguese league three years in a row before joining Monaco last year.

His performances for Colombia at the World Cup prompted a move by Real for Rodriguez who pushed Monaco for the chance to play for the Spanish giants.

"AS Monaco is proud to have helped James Rodriguez reveal his talent to the world as he notably made his mark on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil winning the golden boot" Vadim Vasilyev, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Monaco, said in a statement.

"James is a fantastic player who achieved great things with AS Monaco. The Club had no intention to sell the player, however the time came when the solution of a transfer was considered to be the most beneficial solution for all parties. AS Monaco is proud to be a party to one of the most significant transfers in football history."

The arrival of Rodriguez could open the door for Angel Di Maria to leave Real.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had wanted to keep him but the Argentine winger is believed to feel under-valued at the club.