CHERRIES star Jefferson Lerma insisted he had been keen to make history with Colombia this summer as he prepares for the Copa America.

The combative midfielder is part of a 40-man provisional squad ahead of the tournament, managed by former Real Madrid and Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz.

Colombia have only won the tournament once in their history – as the host nation in 2001.

In translated quotes from AS Colombia, Cherries’ club-record signing said: “Every one of us who are here, we dream of having that title because Colombia has won very little.

"Colombia has to do a very good job, go out as lions to achieve our goals and train as fit and fast as possible to make a good championship.”

Lerma’s nation face a friendly against Panama on Monday, before taking on Peru in a warm-up fixture six days later.

Drawn in Group B for the tournament in Brazil, Queiroz’s side are set to battle Argentina, Paraguay and Qatar in their opening fixtures.

Cherries ace Lerma added: “We are professional players and we know that we have to adapt as quickly as possible because, when we come to the national team the time is very short.

“Each one must contribute their understanding to get the ideas that the coach wants."