Luis Diaz praises former Real Madrid player James Rodriguez

Colombia deserved a 2-1 win over Brazil in the fifth round of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, attacker Luis Diaz and midfielder James Rodriguez said on Thursday.

After the match, the Liverpool striker, whose father was kidnapped by the guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) and freed on Thursday last week, spoke of the difficult situation he and his family had gone through.

"We've been through tough times, but life makes you strong and brave, I think that's football and not just football, but life. I think we deserved this win, not just me but everyone in general, we have done a great process, with the coach and the players I think it is more than deserved," said the striker.

Diaz also thanked his team-mates and the coaching staff who supported him at every moment and dedicated the victory to the people of Colombia, who also deserved it.

The winger also praised James Rodriguez, whom he labelled as "a 'crack', the idol of idols", whom he respects and loves very much. "We played a good game, he knows I respect him a lot as well and I know what he's been through in the last 15 days," James replied. "I think he was having a hard time and, from a distance, I tried to be with him as well as the whole group, which is a group of many brothers," he added.

 

November 17, 2023