James Rodriguez Praises Angel Di Maria, Hopes to Emulate Him at Real Madrid
October 6, 2014
James Rodriguez has heaped praise on Angel Di Maria, the man whose place he effectively took in the Real Madrid team this summer.
The Colombian joined in a £63m move from Monaco, while Di Maria later moved to Manchester United for just shy of £60m.
James said the following after Real's 5-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, per Football Espana:
He’s a great player and he did a lot here, he made history and there is a lot of respect for him.
Di Maria is much loved and I just got here. I want to make history here too.
I have to run but I’m used to it. That’s what the Coach wants and I’m happy to do it because I’m happy here.

Di Maria has been a driving force in Manchester United's return to form, scoring three times in his first five appearances.
Plenty still wonder whether Real would have been better off keeping him.