Colombian legend Faustino Asprilla believes that James Rodriguez has picked up ill habits from Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Asprilla has stated that James replicates many negative gestures towards his younger teammates who do not pass the ball. The Colombian playmaker has learned such antics from Cristiano Ronaldo who does it every eight days according to the Colombian legend.
Asprilla won 57 caps for his country during his playing days and told of James’ actions during Colombia’s 3-0 defeat to Argentina on Tuesday: “Lately what I am seeing from James – who I love and respect a lot – is that his friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid is damaging him.”
“He has the same gestures when they don’t give him the ball [in the Colombia team]. When they don’t give Cristiano the ball he gesticulates to everyone. In Colombia [James] waves his arms at his teammates.”
“At the start of the game he scowled at Alavarez Balanta and made a gesture. I don’t know if it was because he didn’t pass the ball or not.”
Asprilla has insisted that James needs to show greater respect to his teammates who consider him as an idol and look upto him during difficult times.
“The first thing James needs to do is help his teammates improve because he’s playing in a team of youngsters who respect him and no one dares say anything to him.”
“In another team they’d give him a slap. At least in the Colombia side I played in we wouldn’t stand for it.”
“It’s normal to argue with the referee and quarrel with rival players, but with your teammates it’s not.”
“You can quarrel, but doing it because one of your teammates didn’t pass the ball is the ugliest thing you can do as a footballer. He’s picked up that habit from Cristiano Ronaldo, who does it every eight days.”