Arturo Vidal hopes James “finds a place to play and enjoy football”

In an interview with Win Sports (via Marca), Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal has commented on James Rodriguez’s situation at Real Madrid and with Zidane.

“James and I are brothers, we forged an incredible friendship in Munich. We talk all the time, on holiday we did and it’s annoying that he has problems with the coach.”

“James has a high level to play as a starter for that team and I don’t know why they didn’t give him a chance this year. I hope he takes the best decision and begins to play. He has to grow, search for his future and find a place to play and enjoy football.”

The situation surrounding James after his return from loan this season has been perplexing to say the least. He hasn’t really been called upon much this season, only playing in about 14 matches across all competitions with Real Madrid.

It didn’t help that James missed about a month and a half due to a knee injury back in November. He also reportedly requested to be left out of the squad in the last several matches of the La Liga season.

It looks to be that there is a strained relationship between Zidane and James, reminiscent of the problems between Zidane and Gareth Bale. Even before his loan spell with Bayern, James was relegated to bench service as the season progressed.

Clearly not an ideal situation for James currently, but all indications look like he will be on his way out of the club in the coming transfer window.

Regardless of what happens, Vidal is right when he says that James will hopefully find a place where he will be called upon more often and contribute. James certainly still has the skill to be an effective player and find success wherever he goes.