Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez has been advised to stay in the Spanish capital by Colombian legend Tino Asprilla. The Colombian international, who joined the 11-time European champions from AS Monaco in 2014 has struggled to get regular playing time this season. During the first half of the season, he missed the majority of it due to injuries.
On his return, he struggled to break into the starting line-up and after Zinedine Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez, Rodriguez has moved further down the pecking order at Real. This situation has seen him being linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Earlier in May, a report from ESPN suggested that Rodriguez would join Manchester United, if he decides to leave Los Blancos in the summer transfer window. The Premier League giants were interested in landing him before he joined the Spanish giants and they could still be in the hunt for him.
However, Asprilla, who played in the Premier League for Newcastle United between 1996 and 1998 has advised his compatriot to refrain from joining United and instead impress Zidane at Real Madrid.
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"If I were James, I would stay at Real Madrid, fighting for a place," Asprilla was quoted as saying by ESPN.
"If we look at it, Zidane's Madrid had good stats, they cut the gap to Barcelona and won the Champions League, but they did not convince the 'Madridista' fans. Madrid did not play well, and that is why James should play more. He has a lot of quality and could easily play in any position."
"At Real Madrid they have not realised that he is just 24, and has achieved many things so young.
"James' season was not so bad. For the little he played, he gave assists and scored some good goals. Then it depends on what Zidane wants next year. We all want James to be back to his best level and show his worth. I have no doubts about James' ability and commitment, he is still a young lad."
Meanwhile, Le10Sport claims Zidane prefers Isco ahead of Rodriguez in attacking midfield and he is not willing to include the South American forward in his plans for the next season. However, Los Blancos superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is keen on keeping the 24-year-old forward at the Spanish capital club.
Currently, Rodriguez is on international duty with Colombia in the 2016 Copa America in the United States. Any decision on his future is likely to be taken after the tournament.
