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Cape Town - James Rodriguez insists he is not looking to replace Angel di Maria at Real Madrid but admits he hopes to have just as big an impact as the Argentine.
Colombia international Rodriguez joined the Galacticos from Monaco at the beginning of the new season, while Di Maria departed for the English Premier League with Manchester United.
And while the switch was seen as a like-for-like trade, Rodriguez preferred not to draw comparisons, and stated that he only wishes to emulate Di Maria's success in Spain.
“(Di Maria is) a great player and he did a lot here, he made history and there is a lot of respect for him,” said Rodriguez.
“Di Maria is much loved and I just got here. I want to make history here too.
“I have to run but I’m used to it. That’s what the Coach wants and I’m happy to do it because I’m happy here.”
Rodriguez was in action with Madrid on Sunday as a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick spearheaded a 5-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao, leaving the 23-year-old delighted with the result.
“It was a very good game. When we defended we did it well, better. In attack we have great players that create danger,” Rodriguez said.
“Everyone was good and we concentrated and got five goals.”
Colombia international Rodriguez joined the Galacticos from Monaco at the beginning of the new season, while Di Maria departed for the English Premier League with Manchester United.
And while the switch was seen as a like-for-like trade, Rodriguez preferred not to draw comparisons, and stated that he only wishes to emulate Di Maria's success in Spain.
“(Di Maria is) a great player and he did a lot here, he made history and there is a lot of respect for him,” said Rodriguez.
“Di Maria is much loved and I just got here. I want to make history here too.
“I have to run but I’m used to it. That’s what the Coach wants and I’m happy to do it because I’m happy here.”
Rodriguez was in action with Madrid on Sunday as a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick spearheaded a 5-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao, leaving the 23-year-old delighted with the result.
“It was a very good game. When we defended we did it well, better. In attack we have great players that create danger,” Rodriguez said.
“Everyone was good and we concentrated and got five goals.”
