Real Madrid legend wants James Rodriguez to stay

The writing may be on the wall for James Rodriguez at Real Madrid.

It’s a shame it has to end this way, since James Rodriguez is such a talented player and has scored several wonderful goals for Real Madrid as a Champions League winner. However, with one year left on his contract, the Colombian playmaker is fully expected to be sold in the summer transfer window. Atletico Madrid, Serie A, and the Premier League could all await.

Not everyone wants James to be sold. There are so many Madridistas who love James and believe one of La Liga’s best chance creators still has a place at the Santiago Bernabeu. And the fans are not alone in this belief.

In a recent interview with Blu Radio, former Galactico and all-time great left back Roberto Carlos wants manager and fellow club legend Zinedine Zidane to exercise more patience with James Rodriguez.

Here’s what he said, via HITC.com’s Shamanth Jayaram:

"“James is a phenomenon. I have great affection for him. I ask for a little patience with him. When James comes in to play he does it very well, there are many changes for him.”"

Roberto Carlos added that the fans admire James greatly, which is a statement rooted in truth. Most Madridistas would love to see James succeed and remain with the team.

It all comes down to whether or not he will get his chance. The 2019-2020 La Liga season will resume for Real Madrid on June 14 when the club faces Eibar in a home game. James has a few more games left to potentially make an impression on Zidane, though Isco’s emergence and Marco Asensio’s return from injury will make it tough.

If James can get playing time and can stay healthy, he could shine. He was excellent at the beginning of 2019-2020 before October injuries completely derailed his season, as he’s never had a chance since.

But again, he only has a brief period of time to make an impression. Real Madrid won’t want such a talented player, who could fetch a good price from the Premier League, to leave for free in the winter transfer market.

Last season, the 28-year-old attacking midfielder recorded a goal and an assist in 341 La Liga minutes. In his best season with Los Blancos, James had 13 goals and 13 assists in the 2014-2015 campaign.