Faustino Asprilla believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is a bad influence on Real Madrid teammate James Rodriguez.
Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, but the 31-year-old does have his fair share of critics off the field.
Most of the criticism aimed at the Real Madrid forward is in regards to his selfishness at times in front of goal, whilst he usually makes angry gestures towards teammates who do not pass the ball to him.
Whilst Ronaldo’s antics have been visible for some time, Asprilla has realised that the Portuguese star’s teammate, Rodriguez, has adopted a similar approach on the field in recent months.
Former Colombia international Asprilla believes that Rodriguez is being inspired by Ronaldo’s “gestures” that show a lack of respect to teammates.
“James is my friend and I love him a lot,” Asprilla told ESPN FC.
“But I can see that his friendship with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid is damaging him.
“He now has the same gestures as Ronaldo when he doesn’t get the ball. Ronaldo makes gestures at everyone when he doesn’t get the ball, and James is doing the same with Colombia.”
Rodriguez was heavily linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, but he opted to remain in the Spanish capital to fight for his place.
That may have backfired with the attacking midfielder managing just five La Liga appearances this season, with three of them coming off the bench.
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