Real Madrid Star James Rodriguez Vows to Follow in the Footsteps of Manchester United's Angel Di Maria

James Rodriguez is eager to replicate the success of Angel Di Maria at Real Madrid and continue to make history at the club.

Di Maria left the Santiago Bernabeu after inspiring the club to their La Decima success last season, signing for Manchester United for a British record fee of £59.6m.

His departure from the Spanish capital was partly prompted by the arrival of Rodriguez, who became the club's latest high-profile signing when he joined from Monaco for £71m after a glittering World Cup with Colombia.

While the departure of Di Maria is still being questioned, 23-year-old Rodriguez is keen to follow in in the Argentine's footsteps and lead the Spanish giants to more glory.

"As for Di Maria, he is a great player. He made history here and I have a lot of respect for him," Rodriguez said, speaking after Real's 5-0 hammering of Athletic Bilbao.

"I have only just joined, but I want to make history with Real Madrid as well. I am comfortable here and I want to do everything the coach tells me to do. I just want to help so we can win."

On Sunday 5 October, Di Maria scored his third United goal and provided his third assist in what was just his fifth appearance for the club in the 2-1 win over Everton.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, has enjoyed a modest start to life in the Spanish capital having scored twice and provided a further two in eight appearances but his work rate compared to that of Di Maria has seen the young Colombian come in for some early criticism.

But Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has defended the player, insisting both Rodriguez and Di Maria have different qualities.

"James is not Di Maria," Ancelotti said of the club's high-profile summer signing. "He is a different player with different qualities. I'm going to use him for that reason, not because I expect the same from him.

"Both players have different technical characteristics. I'm happy with him and he is focused on the job he has to do. He's doing well and will get better."