Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has slammed the timing of teammate James Rodriguez’s acknowledgement that he’s open to a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu
James Rodriguez has struggled to settle in at the club since his big money £63 million move from AS Monaco. And the Real Madrid misfit admitted in the aftermath of Real Madrid’s 4-2 win over Kashima Antlers in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday that with opportunities being few and far between for him, he is open to considering offers from other clubs and leave Los Blancos as early as January.
Club captain Sergio Ramos, however, was unhappy about Rodriguez talking about a potential move publicly immediately after the final.
As reported by Daily Mail, the Spain international questioned the timing of Rodriguez’s comments, saying: “It’s not a day for personal issues. I hold him in high regard and I hope he stays. But today wasn’t a day to focus on other matters.”
Cristiano Ronaldo led the attack with aplomb on Sunday, as the star Portuguese forward scored a hat trick, after Karim Benzema had scored the opener to ensure a 4-2 win for Real Madrid.
Rodriguez, who hasn’t featured much in manager Zinedine Zidane’s plans this season, started the game on the bench and finished it there as well as he was an unused substitute for the Club World Cup clincher.
After scoring 13 goals in 29 league starts, it was largely believed that James Rodriguez’s dream move to Real Madrid would be a hugely fruitful one for him. However, Zidane has favoured the likes of Isco and youngsters like Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez over the Colombia international, bringing doubts over his future at the club.
Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea are reported to be monitoring Rodriguez’s situation at Madrid, with both Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho keen to add reinforcements in attack at their respective clubs.
While for Chelsea, it would be a chance to improve the depth in Conte’s squad, for United, Rodriguez’s acquisition will add definite quality in their attacking ranks. And with Rodriguez making his untimely comments, he would not have done himself any favours and could be nearer to the exit door than ever before.
