James Rodriguez Appears to Aim Veiled Real Madrid Dig After Colombia Victory

Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez appears to have taken a swipe at his club while away on international duty, insisting he’s playing well for Colombia because he has “everybody’s support.”

The 24-year-old midfielder has been superb in wins for Los Cafeteros in their last two matches, helping the team to victories over Bolivia and Ecuador. And after the latter 3-1 win, in which Rodriguez set up Carlos Bacca’s goal, Rodriguez was asked by Caracol Television (h/t Daniel Edwards of Goal) what the reason has been for his upturn in form.

“It is because I'm playing, this happens when you play and have everybody's support,” he said. “I am happy, happy.”

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As this statistic from OptaJavier illustrates, the Colombian has excelled as the creative crux of the international side as of late:

The same has not been the case at Real Madrid, with Rodriguez in and out of the team under the tutelage of manager Zinedine Zidane. According to Alvaro de la Rosa of AS, the capital club are seeking to sell the former Monaco man, with his request for a bolstered pay packet juxtaposed by the decline in form he’s suffered this term.

In his debut campaign for the club, Rodriguez was a breath of fresh air for Madridistas, notching 13 goals and 13 assists in La Liga. His second season has been tougher, but he has still managed some standout moments:

Indeed, things could have gone better in 2015-16. Off the field the Colombian was charged by the club after he was involved in a high-speed chase with police, as Rodriguez, late for training, was rushing to Real's Valdebebas headquarters at 125mph. 

Additionally, earlier in the season he was accused of being overweight, per Juanma Trueba of AS. “It pisses me off that people doubt me and say I am fat,” responded the footballer, per Nicholas Godden of the MailOnline.

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While he’s struggled at Real Madrid recently, there’s no denying that Rodriguez is a massive talent, as his superb showings in the 2014-15 season and at the 2014 World Cup proved. Football writer Zack Goldman is envious of Colombia for being able to call on him:

While Rodriguez was at the heart of a lot of Real’s best forward play in his debut year, for one reason or another, he’s been robbed of that responsibility this term.

Of course, he could throw in the towel and earn a lucrative move elsewhere, with De la Rosa noting that Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all keen on the Colombia talisman. However, playing for a club like Real is a privilege not many footballers enjoy and Rodriguez should be doing his utmost to ensure he preserves that coveted status.