James Rodriguez's roots

Real Madrid's new star singing, James Rodríguez, was born in Cúcuta and spent the first few months of his life there. His father played for the local team. He returned at the age of 11 to play in a tournament and ended up winning it.

He was destined for success. His father was a footballer. After breaking into the Colombia youth side which participated in the World Cup in the Soviet Union in 1985, he played professional football for Deportes Tolima and then ended up at Cúcuta – a team from a place that borders Venezuela, which can be reached by car in 10 minutes along a well-connected motorway.

James grew up in Ibagué and returned to his place of birth 11 years later. He played in the number 10 position for Academia Tolimense, who played in the first Copa Quinta Oriental. His return was quite extraordinary and would be remembered by many.

The performance was a sign of what was to come. His life and his football success began in Cúcuta. He wasn't there for long but spent enough time there to become an icon. Many passers-by in the centre of Cúcuta know it is the place where James spent the first months of his life. When word got round of his ability, people soon started to take an interest.

Miguel Ángel – the player's former school mate, whose paths would cross again – would happily be a guide. Anybody would be proud to talk about the new Real Madrid star's roots.