James: No pressure over Di Maria

Colombian international James Rodriguez has revealed he feels under no pressure at Real Madrid to step into Angel Di Maria’s boots.

In an exclusive interview with Cadena SER’s ‘El Larguero’ programme, the 23-year-old also asserted that Cristiano Ronaldo was the best footballer in the world.

“I don’t feel under any pressure at all in being described as Di Maria’s replacement. He’s a great player who made history here but there’s no pressure,” he declared.

“I have talent and I respect what he has done, but I can also do important things at Madrid. Whether we could have played together is another matter, so there is no debate.

“He could play on the right or further back and I play more forward, but it’s a subject for others.

“With Cristiano he is obviously the world’s best. He’s a star, a goalscoring machine, but above all he is a great person and that’s what stands out about him.”

James was asked about Gareth Bale getting back into Carlo Ancelotti’s starting line-up and his own role in the team.

“I don’t know [about Bale]. It’s a technical decision and the boss will do anything he wants, no problem.

“As for myself, I feel comfortable in the team and the results have been positive. We’ve played at a high level and must continue to do so.

“All the players here have surprised me but Isco has is playing really well, with great quality, and I like him a lot.”

Finally, James was invited to comment on the Ballon d’Or after the list of 23 candidates was announced on Tuesday, and remarked that one day he would like to win it himself.

“The Ballon d’Or is for Cristiano and he deserves to be awarded it for a third time.

“I have a lot of dreams, but I also want to win the Ballon d’Or myself one day,” he declared.

Tags Angel Di Maria James Rodriguez
La Liga - Club News