James Rodriguez, who scored in Real Madrid's La Liga game vs Espanyol on Sunday, says he won’t leave the club, something which he wanted to do earlier
Real Madrid's James Rodriguez dribbles during the Spanish League encounter against Espanyol at Cornella-El Prat Stadium in Catalonia, Spain on Sunday. Pic/AFP
Real Madrid's James Rodriguez dribbles during the Spanish League encounter against Espanyol at Cornella-El Prat Stadium in Catalonia, Spain on Sunday. Pic/AFP
Madrid: James Rodriguez insists he has always felt supported by his teammates and coach Zinedine Zidane after he marked his first LaLiga start of the season with the goal, which set Real Madrid on their way to a club-record victory away to Espanyol on Sunday.
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The Colombian's future at the Estadio Bernabeu was in doubt over the summer and he was strongly linked with a big-money move to Chelsea, but remained in the Spanish capital.
Determined to stay
He says he is determined to play a part in what has so far been a terrific campaign for Real, who top LaLiga by three points from Barcelona and recorded a 16th consecutive league win at Espanyol, beating the club's previous best run set in 1960-61 and equalling the all-time best record of top-flight victories set by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in 2010-11.
"It has always been my dream to play here," Rodriguez told BeIN Sports on his reasoning for not forcing through a move away from the Bernabeu during the recently closed transfer window. "I am just one more player, but if I can score and create goals then all the better.
"I never thought about leaving Real and have always strived to be here," Rodriguez said. "I have felt great support from the team and the coach. I have a good relationship with the coach and it shows."
Rodriguez almost appeared to be over-compensating at times, trying too hard to make an impression, and was replaced by Isco after 62 minutes. But he made a telling contribution in first half injury time, receiving a pass from Toni Kroos, withstanding challenges from Hernan Perez and Pape Diop before rifling a low left-foot shot into the left-hand corner of Diego Lopez's goal.
Zidane said he was happy with the Colombian's performance and told Diario Sport: "We know his talent and he has done a great job."
The Frenchman was also pleased to have equalled Barcelona's record run, adding: "It is an anecdote but it shows the work all of the boys, who are doing great."
No Ron & Bale, no worries
Madrid were without Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, missing through illness and injury respectively, and it was the third prong of the 'BBC' strike force, Karim Benzema, who sealed the win for the European champions.
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