James Rodriguez's future at Real Madrid is 'uncertain', admits club president Florentino Perez

'There are always some sacrifices' Perez replied when asked about Rodriguez's place at Real

Luke Brown
Sunday 04 June 2017 10:43 BST
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James Rodriguez appears to be nearing the exit door
James Rodriguez appears to be nearing the exit door (Getty)

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James Rodriguez has been praised as an “extraordinary” player by Florentino Perez, but the Real Madrid president has admitted that he does not know if the 25-year-old will remain at the club.

Zinedine Zidane decided to leave James out of his match-day squad for the Champions League final against Juventus, with the Colombian forced to watch Real’s 4-1 win from the stands.

His absence from Real Madrid’s having featured in just 22 league matches for the club this season has reignited speculation that he could soon leave the club, with Perez admitting after the win that he does not know what is next for the player.

“I do not know what will happen to James,” Perez told Spanish media organisation Antena 3.

“All of our players are very good and he is extraordinary. We have so many and the rules are like that, there are always some sacrifices.

“I would keep everyone but now we'll talk to the coach [Zidane] to try and set a new record. He will decide changes in the squad.”

Rodriguez has been restricted to a role on the fringes this season
Rodriguez has been restricted to a role on the fringes this season (Getty)

James signed for Real Madrid from Monaco for approximately €80 million and played 46 matches for the club in his debut season in Spain.

But he has struggled for first-team football over the past two campaigns and has also struggled for goals.

Isco - who has been in a similar position at times, frustrated by a lack of game-time despite his obvious talent - has forced his way back into contention by working hard on the training ground and becoming the flexible, polyvalent glue that this Madrid side needed.

But James, limited in where and how he can play, has remained on the fringes.

Manchester United are a potential destination for the Colombian, should he decide to leave the club.

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