James Rodriguez upset Real Madrid officials by discussing future - report

Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2016 by ESPN

Real Madrid officials are unhappy with James Rodriguez for speaking about a possible departure from the club, according to a report by Marca, with captain Sergio Ramos even suggesting that the Colombian did not choose the right time to air his frustrations.

James did not feature in Real's 4-2 extra-time win over Kashima Antlers in the Club World Cup final on Sunday and told reporters immediately after the game that he has offers from other clubs and is considering leaving in January.

Marca reported that Real Madrid's plans to wait to look into a possible transfer until the summer could now be accelerated after top officials at the club were not pleased that James spoke out about his lack of playing time so soon after winning the trophy.

Ramos was quoted as telling reporters that the focus should be on the triumph in Japan.

"I'm no one to have an opinion on James' personal issues," Ramos said. "I hope that he is always with us but each of us has to decide his future, although today is a day to be satisfied and happy, and not to focus on other things."

James has had Casemiro, Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio ahead of him in the pecking order at Real Madrid.

He has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season but only nine starts, scoring two goals and assisting on eight others.

James Rodriguez upset Real Madrid officials by discussing future - report
James Rodriguez has struggled for game time this term.

The Colombia international moved to Real from Monaco in an €80 million transfer shortly after winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup as the competition's leading scorer with six goals.

He shone in his first season at Real under coach Carlo Ancelotti, starting in 46 games in all competitions and scoring 17 times and setting up 17 other goals. After Rafael Benitez replaced Ancelotti at the helm, James saw his playing time drastically cut.

In the 2015-16 campaign, when Benitez and his replacement Zinedine Zidane coached the team, James made just 21 starts in all competitions. He scored eight goals and created 10 more for his teammates, with a thigh injury also limiting his playing time.

The 25-year-old was the subject of transfer speculation in the summer but under contract with Real until June 2020, he stayed put.

Marca reported that James has a buyout clause of €500m, but that Real would be happy to recoup the €80m they paid for him.