James Rodríguez is the flavour of the month, having dazzled fans across the planet with his brilliant performances at the World Cup. What better moment to secure an exclusive interview with him? That's exactly what MARCA did.

"It's true that I played well at the World Cup, but I can't help feeling regret that we didn't make it to the final. It's an opportunity that may not come around again too easily. We dreamed of making it further, which is why I cried the day we were knocked out - such was my sadness at exiting the tournament. But that's football", James notes.

Toni Kroos

"I faced Kroos at the under-17 World Cup in Korea and I remember that even back then he was a difference-maker. He'd be a great signing for Real Madrid, because he's got more than enough talent to play for that sort of team".

The Real Madrid squad

"All the Real Madrid players are top-drawer. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player, a genuine star. I'd be proud to play alongside him; it'd be a privilege. He fully deserved to win the Ballon d'Or".

His passion for 'Los Blancos'

"I've liked Real Madrid since the days when Zidane, the Brazilian Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Fernando Hierro were around. I've been following them religiously since then".

His ideal position

"I feel most at home in a number 10 role, but I learnt to play in different positions at a very young age and can adapt to what the coach asks of me. I played as a right winger at Porto, while for Colombia I've lined up on the left or in the hole. At the World Cup I operated as part of the trio behind the striker. I like getting on the ball and working hard to win it back".

Monaco

"I'm eternally grateful to [club president] Dimitry [Rybolovlev] and [vice-president] Vadim Vasilyev for the opportunity they gave me. The club is building something big. Obviously it would be a dream for me to play for Real Madrid, but I will always respect my current club, who will have the last word on the matter".

Real Madrid

"Playing for Real Madrid is my life's dream: it'd be a privilege to play alongside so many stars. If it happened, I'd enjoy it to the max. It's really flattering to know that a club of Real Madrid's stature is interested in me. It'd be a dream to join the club of my dreams. I have a great deal of respect for other clubs and admire the good football they play, but ultimately Real Madrid are Real Madrid. I've always had a thing for them, like I said before".

The Bernabéu

"I've been to the Bernabéu once and I thought it was an amazing stadium. The first thing I said when I walked in was 'I want to play here one day'".

A no-brainer

"Would I jump at the chance to go to Real? No doubt about it, my answer is a resounding yes".