#5. James Rodriguez; AS Monaco to Real Madrid; €75m
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Real Madrid, in the summer of 2014, completed the signing of Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez from Monaco for €75 million in what was described by the French club as ‘one of the most significant transfers in football history.’ The Colombian was a star performer for his national side in the World Cup that summer helping them to reach the quarter-finals and top scoring with six goals in the competition. His 25-yard volley against Uruguay was chosen as the Goal of the Tournament by FIFA.
James Rodríguez didn’t hide his joy upon signing for Los Blancos. He said, “I am very happy, this is a dream come true. I hope to make people very happy and win a lot of titles here. Hala Madrid!”
James was given the No.10 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu previously adorned by legends Luis Figo and Ferenc Puskas. The Colombian scored 17 goals in all appearances in his debut season in Madrid. An injury in September 2015 at international duty saw him miss game-time for almost two months before he played a bit-part role in Real Madrid’s La Undecima triumph.
