James Rodriguez Wants to Play for Real Madrid, says Father

Colombian sensation James Rodriguez has always wanted to play for Real Madrid, according to his father.

The 22-year-old playmaker - who for some has been the player of the World Cup so far - has led his side to the quarter-final after netting an amazing brace in their 2-0 victory over Uruguay, becoming the first player since the 2002 competition to score in each of the first four matches.

The World Cup's breakout star has been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu given his excellent performances. Earlier this week it was reported that Real are ready to open talks with Monaco to secure Rodriguez as a replacement for Angel Di Maria, who is likely to leave Madrid as he believes the club do not value him highly enough.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Wilson James Rodriguez, the Colombian star's biological father, has revealed that joining Los Blancos has been a life long dream of his son, saying: "Since he was very little he was saying he wanted to play professionally in Spain because it is similar to Colombian football, with great technique.

"They have players such as Ronaldo. For the style of football, he prefers Real Madrid.

"[James] aspires to achieve great things. [Zinedine] Zidane was his idol when he was playing for Real Madrid."

The 22-year-old recently revealed his passion for Real Madrid, hinting at a possible future move to the Bernabeu by saying: "It would be a dream to play there, it is the best league in the world. I prefer Real Madrid to Barcelona.

About his performances at the World Cup, Rodriguez said: "Right now I am not aware of what I am achieving; I am on the inside, focused, and I do not know what people are saying outside."