James Rodriguez reveals Real Madrid stopped him from leaving last summer

James Rodriguez has revealed he had numerous offers to leave Real Madrid last summer. 

The Colombia international joined Los Blancos for £68million in 2014 from Monaco but has struggled to live up to that price tag.

The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under manager Zinedine Zidane due to his struggles with form and fitness.

Rodriguez returned to the Bernabeu last summer after a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich where he was once again in and out of the side but he has revealed he might have left Madrid permanently.  

‘There was a very good proposal from a Spanish team, which Real Madrid rejected. I’d prefer not to say the name of the team,’ James told Colombian news outlet Gol Caracol. 

‘I thought it was a done deal, but they didn’t let me go to the club I wanted to join. They wanted me to go to another team.

The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under manager Zinedine Zidane (right)

‘There was an offer from Italy, but it didn’t convince me, I felt it wasn’t good. My representative, Jorge Mendes, told me that a proposal had come from China, but I replied that I would not go. I wasn’t willing to do it because I feel I can still give a lot in Europe.

‘There was never any problem [with Zidane],’ said the Colombian playmaker. ‘Every coach has their tastes. We have a normal working relationship. I don’t have a central role, but I am training and working for when it is my turn, so I can do well.’ 

Former Newcastle star Faustino Asprilla recently hit out at Zidane over his lack of ‘respect’ for his compatriot Rodriguez. 

Asprilla admits he can’t comprehend why Rodriguez has been given so little playing time and even claimed that the 28-year-old has been too patient with Zidane. 

‘James isn’t irresponsible,’ the former Colombia forward told Blu Radio. ‘He trains every day, just like everyone else.

The Colombia international joined Los Blancos for £68million in 2014 from Ligue 1 side Monaco

‘The coaches say that all players are the same to give motivation to substitutes, but they have three or four who always play.

‘At Real Madrid, there are players who come from lower down and who come up.

‘Don’t tell me that the top scorer of a World Cup is below Mariano or whoever in the pecking order.

‘There’s a need for a little respect. James is patient, but I would tell Zidane to eat s**t!’

The midfielder, who has a year left on his current deal, has featured in 14 games across all competitions during the 2019-20 season.