Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said Sunday that Colombian midfielder James will not be leaving the Spanish club in spite of rumors of flirts with Chelsea from the UK.
According to British newspaper The Guardian, James’ family have told press they would rather see the soccer starlet play in England than Spain.
The English side reportedly is interested in a deal with Real Madrid, not in the form of a transfer, but a loan.
James has barely set foot on the pitch throughout the past season and on several occasions has hinted he was unhappy in the Spanish capital.
But according to Zidane, James will stay where he is and praised the Colombian for his contribution as a substitute player in Madrid’s victory over Celta de Vigo this weekend.
According to Zidane, “James improved the team” when he left the bench and entered the pitch to almost score a goal.
“I’ve seen James doing well. It’s not easy to enter a match and make a difference,” Zidane told press.
“I have seen him very committed and he’s staying,” the French coach said.
If James wants to leave Madrid, he would have to do so in the next two days as the transfer window closes at the end of August. If not, he is likely to remain a substitute at Madrid for the coming season.