Real Madrid Transfer News: James Rodriguez Comments on Los Blancos Exit Rumours

Real Madrid misfit James Rodriguez has insisted he never contemplated leaving Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, despite late interest from Serie A giants Inter Milan.

The winger made his first start of the season and scored in Sunday's 2-0 win over Espanyol, after which he told the media a departure from the Santiago Bernabeu was never an option (h/t Press Association, via Sky Sports).

Rodriguez said: "I never thought about leaving Real Madrid and have always strived to be here," Rodriguez told the Spanish media after the 2-0 win. I have felt great support from the team and the coach. I have a good relationship with the coach and it shows."

The Colombia international has failed to hold down a prominent role since joining Real in 2014, but Squawka attested to Rodriguez boasting a high production rate nonetheless:

Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane has also remained firm on wanting the playmaker to remain among his ranks despite his struggles, reiterating his desire to see Rodriguez succeed after Sunday's win.

Rodriguez also confirmed Inter were interested in a move for his services over the summer, per Italian outlet CalcioMercato: “Playing here is a dream, I never wanted to leave. I would like to play more continuously, but there are so many champs here. I am in great terms with Zidane. It’s true, Inter wanted me, but I decided to stay.”

Sports Illustrated (h/t Goal) reported that Inter's summer offer for the South American was worth €85 million (£73 million), a figure that may well have tempted Real into selling their star.

Sky Sports also provided quotes from Zidane, who told Spanish newspaper Sport: "We know his talent and he has done a great job. It is an anecdote but it shows the work all of the boys, who are doing great."

Rodriguez had appeared off the bench in his first four appearances of the 2016-17 campaign prior to Sunday's outing, where he deputised in midfield during Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale's absences.

Despite his failure to nail down a place in Real's starting XI, Rodriguez has been a potent force going forward for Los Merengues when afforded an opportunity, as touched upon by OptaJose:

If reports of Inter's valuation of the player prove true, it also suggests Real were content handing Rodriguez another chance to succeed in Spain two years after they brought him to Madrid from AS Monaco.

That being said, the Colombia ace might still struggle to crack Zidane's first order when Bale and Ronaldo return to fitness, with Rodriguez still failing to feature regularly ahead of the manager's preferred choices.