James Rodriguez has said he is considering asking for a move away from Real Madrid in the January transfer window. James, who joined for €80 million after the 2014 World Cup, has struggled for playing time in recent months.
The 25-year-old Colombia international, under contract until 2018, spent the entirety of Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign on the bench.
And speaking to reporters after the 4-2 CWC final victory over Kashima Antlers, he said he “cannot assure” anybody that he will not be leaving the Bernabeu next month.
“Things are not going as I would want,” he said.
“But I have had offers and I have these seven days [over the winter break] to think well about everything.
“I want to stay, but you must think about everything. I cannot assure you what will happen, as I want to play more.”
James has been linked with clubs including Manchester United, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks.
There have also been claims that Madrid president Florentino Perez accepted an €85m bid from Inter Milan in August only for James to decide against a move.
The former Porto and Monaco playmaker added:
“I want to play more. I am happy here, everybody around me too, I like the city.
“But if I am not playing, I must think about it all and look for a way out.”
However, the timing of his comments has reportedly angered the Real Madrid. The feeling that right after being crowned world champions is not the best time to announce an imminent departure and soured an otherwise jubilant mood.
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos too had a stern message for the Colombian echoing that sentiment.
“I’m not one to comment on James Rodriguez’s personal situation, but today was a day to be happy and satisfied, not to focus on other matters,” the Spaniard said.
