James Rodriguez is taking advantage of the proximity of Emilio Butragueno and Fernando Hierro, intending to emulate their success at Real Madrid.
Butragueno is part of Los Blancos’ management team while Hierro is assistant to Coach Carlo Ancelotti, with James telling Marca he spends as much time with the pair as he can.
“Emilio travels a lot with the team. He’s a great person and when I can, I talk with him a lot because he became a legend and knows everything about the world of Madrid,” James said.
“Fernando is another icon and I like to listen and learn from all they did because I dream to one day be as historic as them.”
James was speaking from New Jersey, where Colombia are preparing to play a friendly, and reflected on the difference between playing for his club and his country.
“[For Madrid] I play a little deeper but that’s what the Coach wants,” he revealed.
“I’m doing it so I can keep playing.
“[Jose Pekerman] knows where I want to play. He’s been aware of me since I was at Porto. He knows my style of play and wants me to keep going.”
James also touched on the atmosphere at Santiago Bernabeu, explaining what it’s like in the Madrid locker room amid a galaxy of stars.
“It’s like we’re machines at times, scoring five or six goals a game, but we have to think about what’s coming next and it’s hard,” he continued.
“Madrid have many world figures but they’re all excellent human beings on and off the pitch.
“There’s a lot of fun in the dressing room. We listen to a variety of music.”
