It has been revealed by Zinedine Zidane that Manchester United target James Rodriguez asked to be left out of Real Madrid’s game against Athletic Club amid speculation linking the 28-year-old to the Premier League.
The cultured attacking midfielder hit footballing headlines after his stunning 2014 World Cup campaign.
However, life hasn’t been plain sailing for the South American who has been heavily linked with a move away from La Liga title contenders Real Madrid for quite some time.
The latest development is set to ignite even more doubt surrounding Rodriguez’s future as Zidane claims his Columbian midfielder requested to be left out of the Madrid squad for their game against Athletic Club.
The French legend turned Los Blancos head coach told media, as quoted by Goal: “He [Rodriguez] wanted to be left out because of his own reasons.
“The reasons are between us and I’m not going to tell you any more.”
Rodriguez’s absence did not effect the game’s outcome as club captain Sergio Ramos converted a penalty in what was the only goal in a game which sees Madrid move four-points clear in La Liga.
Speculation is now set to grow in light of Zidane’s revelation that Rodriguez requested not to be part of the Madrid squad with the likes of Manchester United, Wolves and Everton all reportedly interested in luring the star away from the Spanish capital.
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