MIAMI GARDENS, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Colombia captain James Rodriguez was awarded the Golden Ball for the best player of the Copa America following his team's 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the final on Sunday.
The 33-year-old provided six assists and also scored a goal as Colombia reached the final of the continental tournament for only the second time.
He is the second Colombian to win the award, joining Carlos Valderrama, who received the accolade in 1987.
"I couldn't ask for any more from James," Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo told a news conference after Sunday's match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
"He played a lot of minutes and gave everything he could, every last drop," Lorenzo added, in reference to Rodriguez's late substitution against Argentina.
Despite his sublime form in this tournament, Rodriguez is reportedly seeking a new club after falling out of favor at Brazil's Sao Paulo, whom he joined last July. ■
