James Rodriguez: 'I want to play more often for Real Madrid'

James Rodriguez celebrates scoring during the La Liga game between Real Madrid and Eibar on April 9, 2016
© AFP
Real Madrid forward James Rodriguez admits that he is not content with his lack of playing time under Zinedine Zidane, but 'respects' the Frenchman's decision.

James Rodriguez has insisted that he 'respects' manager Zinedine Zidane's decision to overlook him for Real Madrid selection, but admits that he is desperate to play more often.

The Colombia international has been heavily linked with a New Year move away from the Bernabeu after struggling to hold down a place in Los Blancos' starting ranks since Zidane took charge last year.

James, who is under contract with the Spanish giants until 2020, has featured just four times in La Liga this term and says that he is finding life tough largely watching on from the sidelines.

"I want to play more," he told RCN. "But hey, there's someone [Zidane] who commands all and it is he who says who plays who does not play. He takes decisions and he calls the shots. You have to respect all that.

"It is a relationship that is fit between a player and a coach. I'm in a club where everyone wants to win and you are always needed to play well. It is the biggest [club] worldwide - that is Real Madrid."

James, a big-money purchase from AS Monaco on the back of his Golden Boot-winning display at the 2014 World Cup, netted 13 times in his first campaign in the Spanish capital but just eight times since in the league.

James Rodriguez celebrates scoring during the La Liga game between Real Madrid and Eibar on April 9, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid1073028101824
2Barcelona1071230121822
3Atletico MadridAtletico106312561921
4Sevilla106311813521
5Villarreal105411771019
6Real Sociedad105141612416
7Athletic Bilbao105141513216
8EibarEibar104331614215
9Malaga114341716115
10Celta Vigo104241620-414
11Las PalmasLas Palmas103432018213
12Espanyol102531317-411
13Real Betis103251120-911
14Valencia103161419-510
15AlavesAlaves102441015-510
16Leganes10316919-1010
17Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo10235715-89
18Sporting GijonSporting Gijon112361022-129
19Osasuna101451220-87
20Granada10037824-163