James outlines Rayo Vallecano's ambitious goals: Securing a spot in Europe and winning the Copa del Rey

The ex-Real Madrid player made his first appearance for Rayo last week and is now eager to earn his first starting spot since joining the team.

"Everyone knows that it is a championship that I love very much, I played well here. It was also a reason to return," James told AS.

The choice of Vallecas came about thanks to a conversation with the president of the club, as acknowledged by Martin Presa himself, who called the Colombian directly to ask him to make the move.

"He called me and we spoke, it was not easy, but in the end it happened," continued James.

"We have the team to compete. I think we can finish in the top six. It's a team with a lot of talent.

"In the Copa del Rey, to go as far as possible, and why not, to win it?"