Carlos Valderrama: “If I were James, I would be running from Madrid”

Carlos Valderrama, the Colombian legend who graced the football pitch at a professional level during the 80’s and 90’s, spoke with Colombian outlet Caracol Radio about James Rodriguez.

There has been interest in James from Premier League clubs. Three club specifically, Arsenal, Wolves and Everton, would all be interested in securing the play maker's talents. With his contract expiring in 2021, Madrid would be inclined to sell this summer rather than let the player leave for free the following summer. Valderrama has urged James to leave as quickly as he can:

“James is old enough to make his own decisions. If I were James, I would be running away from Madrid. He has the quality to play in any team in the world. I do not doubt his talent, not in any moment,” said Valderrama on Caracol Radio. He also added: “He is a star, he already proved it. Let him start for another team, again he has that quality to play anywhere in the world”.

Despite earning quality minutes at the start of the season, injuries and poor form have seen the Colombian fall down the pecking order for Zinedine Zidane. It seems the Colombian midfielder is destined for a move away in the summer.