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Ronaldo ‘a bad influence’ on Rodriguez, Asprilla says

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Ronaldo ‘a bad influence’ on Rodriguez, Asprilla says

Former Newcastle midfielder and Columbian international, Faustino Asprilla has blamed James Rodriguez’s friendship with his Real Madrid team-mate Christiano Ronaldo as the reason for Rodriguez’s poor attitude during the World Cup qualifier against Argentina earlier this week.

Speaking after Colombia suffered a demoralizing 3-0 against Argentina, Asprilla was critical of Rodriguez’s poor attitude, saying that Ronaldo, who has become famed for his on-field gesticulations and negative body language when things go against him, is having a negative effect on Rodriguez.

“Lately what I am seeing is that James’ friendship with Ronaldo is damaging him,’ Asprilla told newsmen after the match.

“When they do not give Cristiano the ball he gesticulates to everyone. James has the same gestures with Colombia when they do not give him the ball.

“He waves his arms at his team-mates. At the start of the game he scowled at Eder Balanta and made a gesture,” Asprilla added.

Read Also: Ronaldo’s ‘explosive’ deal worries Bayern boss

James, who had a supremely impressive World Cup with the national side, joined Real Madrid for £63 million. And Asprilla has urged him to act as a leader among the younger plays in the National team.

“The first thing James needs to do is help his team-mates improve because he is playing in a team of youngsters who respect him and no one dares say anything to him,” Asprilla added.

“But in another team they would give him a slap. At least in the Colombia side I played in we would not stand for it. It is all a bit ugly.

“It is normal to argue with the referee and quarrel with rival players, but with your team-mates it is not.

“You can quarrel, but doing it because one of your team-mates did not pass the ball is the ugliest thing you can do as a footballer.

“He has picked up that habit from Ronaldo, who does it all the time,” said Asprilla.

By Ben Fidelis….

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