Real Madrid star James Rodriguez has blamed his recent lack of playing time on manager Zinedine Zidane - but insisted that the relationship between the pair is not as bad as has been reported in some sections of the media.
The Colombian has underwhelmed since joining the Spanish side back in 2014, failing to reach the heights of fellow big-money signings Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale as a succession of managers have proven unable to get the best out of him.
.@jamesdrodriguez has a reassuring message for @realmadriden supporters.https://t.co/MyBALS4bJl pic.twitter.com/rvcJ4ZsLuH
In an interview with RCN, the £63m man defended his relationship with Zidane, saying:"It is not how everyone says. It is a relationship that is fit between a player and a coach.I'm in a club where everyone wants to win and you are always needed to play well. It is the biggest [club] worldwide -- that is Real Madrid."
He admitted:"I want to play more. But hey, there's someone [Zidane] who commands all and it is he who says who plays, who does not play.He takes decisions and he calls the shots. You have to respect all that."
What Zidane Is Doing To James Rodriguez Is Horrible.....I'd Rather Loose Zidane Than James. Tbh
The 25-year-old has started just two league games all season, coming off the bench a further couple of times as his fitness still remains a slight concern for the setup of Los Blancos.
He downplayed his latest knock in the interview, saying:I am fine. It's not what they were saying, that I was badly injured. It was only something minor. They need to relax. I am fine and I am training.�
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