I have always been a fan of Zidane says 80million James Rodriguez

The 23-year-old says he idolised the Frenchman, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos during their respective playing days at the Santiago Bernabeu
James Rodriguez has revealed his lifelong dream to follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane after being unveiled as a Real Madrid player.

The 23-year-old has signed a six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu after Madrid agreed an €80 million deal with Monaco - making him the third most expensive Blancos player of all-time after Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

The Colombia international was paraded in front of 40,000 supporters on Tuesday evening and revealed he has always been a fan of the club and the man now in charge of the club's reserve side.

"I always idolised Zidane," James revealed after being presented to the media.

"Zidane, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos. I was always a Real Madrid fan. I always followed them and always dreamed about being here."

Falcao - who has played alongside James for Colombia and Monaco - has been tipped to follow him to Madrid, but the former Porto star says he hasn't discussed that prospect with the striker, but admitted he is more than good enough to play for the club.

Goal.com