Dear James, it looks like it's time for you to leave
James didn't appear in the photograph as Real Madrid took on Sevilla, neither in the starting eleven, and nor does he feature in Zidane’s plans. As Ramos hoisted up the trophy on Tuesday night, James wasn’t in the centre of the action. It’s become clear that Zidane doesn’t rate him, as even without the ‘BBC’, he still preferred Isco. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Asensio too, with all his undisputed talent.
James is a national idol...but that doesn't matter to Zidane
Unlike Asensio, James already has many miles, matches and a list of honours under his belt. What’s more he’s a national idol in Colombia and inspiration to millions of kids. That need not matter to Zidane though, whose job it is to make sure Real Madrid win games, and that’s what he continues to do without James in his side. For a while now many people have said that James lacks commitment and work-rate: something that wouldn’t be acceptable in any club, and less so at one of the world’s biggest. So why allow it?
Some would suggest that Florentino Perez’s business in Latin America has made him untouchable, despite the fact that Zidane deems him surplus to requirements. However, with the weight that the coach’s Champions League triumph has given him, the club is finally considering letting James go. Up until now, the player hasn’t spoken out strongly over his situation, and the declarations he has made have been done so with his sponsors and his agent (Mendes) in mind.
There's life after Madrid...
The moment for James, then, has arrived: decide if you want to continue your career in football, or live another season in a Real Madrid bubble playing a bit-part role. He has no shortage of suitors, and at only 25-years old he’s the captain of his country. There’s life after Madrid….