'My idol' - Liverpool star hails ex-Everton forward James Rodriguez after reaching Copa America final

Liverpool star Luis Diaz gave an emotional interview following Colombia’s semi-final win at the Copa America over Uruguay, hailing teammate James Rodriguez.

A strike from Jefferson Lerma was enough for Diaz’s side to edge through to the final where they will face Argentina who overcame Canada 2-0 in the other tie. Lerma was teed up by Rodriguez’s sixth assist of the competition (a tournament record) with the ex-Everton man producing a renaissance on the international stage.

Having played for Al-Rayyan, Olympiakos and Sao Paulo since departing Everton, the attacking midfielder has failed to recapture the glory of his younger days at club level. However, having been rated as the best performer of the tournament in America, he has produced an exceptional return to form, and has been instrumental in Colombia’s route to the final.

Speaking after the win, Diaz paid tribute to the former Everton and Real Madrid star, who he called his ‘idol’. "I told him, I've always let James know, since I got to the national team, I let him know that he's always been my idol, him, and [Radamel] Falcao, and [Juan] Cuadrado whom I watched play on TV, being able to share with them fills me with pride. I always tell him (James), 'you are great, I admire you so much, you deserve it.

"He deserves it, this is his Cup, no doubt. We're seeing him at his best. We know what he's gone through, what he's suffered. Football is a sport of moments. Football gave him revenge, and he's showing he has a lot of class, a lot of ability...to give an assist, to play football how it's supposed to be played, so he deserves it, he really deserves it."

Not only has the media outpouring for Rodriguez been entirely deserved, his form has seemingly attracted attention from clubs in La Liga. According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, Atletico Madrid are currently battling Real Sociedad for Rodriguez's signature, in what would be a sensational return to Spain.

His emotional interview after the game reiterated how important this tournament has been for him and he now heads into the final looking to make history. "For me… I've been here for almost 13 years, wanting this…” he said before taking a deep breath to stop the tears. “We're happy,” he added and then walked away. His side faces Argentina on Monday morning (1am GMT).