Zinedine Zidane: 'James Rodriguez is fine at Real Madrid'

James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne are dumbfounded during the Champions League game between Real Madrid and Roma on March 8, 2016
© AFP
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane plays down suggestions that James Rodriguez wants to leave the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has played down suggestions that James Rodriguez wants to leave the Bernabeu.

The Colombian international appeared to take a swipe at his club during the recent international break when he insinuated that he receives more support while representing his country than he does in Madrid.

Zidane, however, has insisted that the attacker, who has been linked with a move to England, is "happy" at Los Blancos.

"James is fine, he knows that he'll play with us, he's important for the team and I'll always give my affection to him, as his teammates. We'll help him, as he already knows," Zidane told reporters.

"What he said is clear, but he's happy here too. Drawing something concrete from everything a player says is difficult. He's happy here, but when a player sees they're not playing then it's difficult for them.

"It's normal to say these things while representing your country, but he's fine and committed here. After that, I have to make decisions and I always will while thinking about the best for the team at all times."

Real Madrid will travel to Barcelona for El Clasico in La Liga on Saturday night.

Zinedine Zidane appears prior to the game between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna on January 9, 2016
Read Next:
Zidane excited about first Clasico as coach
>
Related Video
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona31244387266176
2Atletico MadridAtletico31224551153670
3Real Madrid31216489296069
4Villarreal31169639261357
5Celta Vigo31147104452-849
6Sevilla3113994437748
7Athletic Bilbao31146114940948
8Malaga311010113029140
9Real Sociedad31108133942-338
10EibarEibar31108134344-138
11Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo3171684044-437
12Espanyol31106153257-2536
13Las PalmasLas Palmas31106153443-936
14Real Betis31810132845-1734
15Valencia31810133438-434
16Rayo Vallecano31710144363-2031
17Granada3178163357-2429
18Getafe3177172854-2628
19Sporting GijonSporting Gijon3177173252-2028
20Levante3167182854-2625