James Rodriguez will not be going anywhere in January, according to his father.
Rodriguez has been linked with moves to both Manchester United and Chelsea over the past few months, with the player himself admitting he was mulling over offers from several clubs, although reports emerged earlier this month that Chelsea had dropped out of the race to sign the Real Madrid midfielder.
Zinedine Zidane has repeatedly stated that he wants the Colombian international to stay at Real Madrid despite the latter hardly being used by the Real Madrid manager, and it appears that Zidane will get his wish. According to James Rodriguez’s father Wilson Rodriguez, his son will honour his contract and stay to fight for his place at Real Madrid.
“He has a commitment to Real Madrid and he has a contract,” Wilson said according to Marca, after taking part in the ‘Dia del Futbol Santandereano’ alongside Radamel Falcao’s father. “He is going to remain there. He’ll win back his place at Real Madrid because he is humble and because he deserves it.”
This comes as a bit of a surprise given James’ own comments about his situation at Real Madrid, with his decision to openly talk about leaving the club even angering teammate and captain Sergio Ramos. Rodriguez was clearly growing frustrated at the lack of playing time under Zidane and it appeared that he was almost certain to leave Real Madrid in January.
Rodriguez has made just 12 appearances in the Champions League and La Liga this season, 5 of those coming as a substitute. He has picked up 1 goal and 4 assists in those appearances and it is clear that he is considered 3rd or 4th choice in midfield by Zidane. Despite this, Rodriguez has been attracting a lot of attention from clubs around the world.
Jose Mourinho was said to be very interested in bringing the midfielder to Manchester United as he looks to rebuild the side that he inherited from Louis van Gaal. Wayne Rooney – who Mourinho has utilised exclusively as a No.10 – is winding down his career and Mourinho needs a more long-term option in that position.
Despite Wilson Rodriguez’s comments, Real Madrid and Zidane could yet be tempted to part with the Colombian if a big enough offer comes in. There are a host of clubs who are interested in Rodriguez and have the financial power to convince Real Madrid to sell, and there is no telling what will happen before the market closes again.
