James: “I had the chance to join a big club but Real Madrid didn’t let me go there”

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez talked to Rio Ferdinand for The Locker Room and revealed what happened last summer, when he was rumored to be on his way out of the club only to stay past the deadline.

“I won’t say any names but I had the chance to join a big club. I knew I was not going to play much here, but Real Madrid didn’t let me go there for different reasons,” said James.

Rodriguez is likely referring to an offer from Atletico de Madrid, who appeared to be ready to complete his signing, according to reports from the Spanish press.

Then, the Colombian player confirmed once again that he wanted to leave the club.

“I’m here [with Real Madrid] because of the circumstances, not because I wanted to. Again, I knew I was not going to be able to play much, but here I am. I hope I can play more in the future, I know I have the quality and the talent to do that, so I believe that with hard work it can happen,” he explained.

James will likely leave Madrid next summer, although his value in the market is likely even lower now after being a reserve all season long.