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Unveiled . . . Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (left) presents Rodriguez (right) at the Bernabeu yesterday. – MailOnline

MADRID. – Real Madrid have signed World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez from French league club Monaco.
The 23-year-old Colombia forward has agreed a six-year deal at the Bernabeu.
The reported fee of about 80 million euros (£63 million) makes Rodriguez the fourth most expensive transfer of all time after Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez.

Rodriguez will join up with Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale and Karim Benzema to provide a formidable attacking threat for the Champions League winners.
Rodriguez scored six goals in five matches at the World Cup as his side reached the quarter-finals.

He scored against Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan as they topped Group C before netting twice, one a sublime volley, during the 2-0 last-16 win against Uruguay, which was voted goal of the tournament.

Rodriguez’s final goal was a late consolation from the penalty spot as Colombia lost 2-1 to Brazil.
The former Porto forward won the Portuguese league three years in a row before joining Monaco last season, where he scored nine goals in 34 Ligue 1 games.

Monaco vice-chairman Vadim Vasilyev said his club had no plans to sell Rodriguez, but are now proud to be part of “one of the most significant transfers in football history”.

Vasilyev said: “The time came when the solution of a transfer was considered to be the most beneficial solution for all parties.”
The Rodriguez deal comes less than a week after Madrid signed German World Cup winner Toni Kroos, who moved from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee.

A Real statement read yesterday: “The player will be presented today (last night) Tuesday 22 July, at 7pm, in the Santiago Bernabéu’s presidential box.
“Following that, James Rodríguez will take his first steps on the Santiago Bernabéu’s pitch wearing the Real Madrid jersey and will then answer questions from the media outlets in attendance in the Press room.”

A statement on Monaco’s official website read: “The club would like to take the opportunity to thank James for the role he played in getting the club back to the Champions League and wishes him the very best for the future.

“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.
“Monaco is proud to be a party to one of the most significant transfers in football history.

“Monaco is a club that will continue to grow and remains focused on the future.
“More than ever, it has the ambition to strengthen the team and continue to progress for next season.”

A number of Real players including defender Pepe, midfielders Angel di Maria and Sami Khedira and the goalkeeper Diego López are all reported to have rejected the chance to join Monaco in part-exchange.

Rodriguez began his professional career with Colombian side Envigado before moving down to Argentinian club Banfield aged 17.
His performances for the Buenos Aires outfit attracted the attention of Porto, who signed him for £4 million in 2010.

Three years later Rodríguez  joined Monaco for £38,5 million after helping the Portuguese side win a hat-trick of league titles and the 2011 Europa League. – BBC Sport.