James Rodriguez, the former Real Madrid midfielder, has shed light on the conversation he had with club president Florentino Perez before securing his move to the Spanish giants in 2014. 

After making a name for himself at FC Porto and AS Monaco, his performances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup caught the attention of several top European clubs. However, it was Real Madrid who ultimately won the race for his signature.

Rodriguez had offers from other major clubs, including Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, who were willing to spend large sums of money to sign him. 

However, it was a simple yet powerful question from Perez that helped him make his decision. The Real Madrid president asked whether he prioritised glory or financial gain, and Rodriguez chose to chase silverware at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“Florentino told me: ‘What do you want? Glory or money?’ That’s why I signed for Real Madrid,” he told Edu Aguirre (h/t MARCA).

Making the move happen

His performances in the World Cup only strengthened Madrid’s interest in him. During the tournament, his agent Jorge Mendes informed him that the Spanish giants were eager to sign him but had concerns about whether he would maintain his focus. 

Rodriguez responded in the best possible way—by delivering outstanding performances, scoring crucial goals, and proving that the pressure only made him better.

“In the second or third game of the World Cup, Mendes told me that Real Madrid wanted me but was afraid I’d lose focus. I said ‘What?’ 

“Then I scored one goal against Japan and two against Uruguay; it was the opposite. I played better,” he remembered. 

Fans still love him

Even today, he remains fondly remembered by Madrid fans. Many still ask him why he left, which he takes as a sign that he made a strong impression during his time at the club. 

Reflecting on his past, he admits that his approach to life and football has evolved. In 2014, he would often act before thinking, whereas now, he takes a more thoughtful approach.

“They still love me a lot in Madrid, they ask me why I left, that means I did things well, I performed at a very high level,” he noted.

The Benitez controversy

Rodriguez also discussed his experience under different managers at Real Madrid, particularly his time with Zinedine Zidane. 

Before Zidane’s arrival, Rafael Benitez was in charge, but their relationship became strained after a controversial substitution. 

“I had an argument with Rafa, nothing serious, he made a change, the Bernabeu whistled, and he thought I made gestures against him.”

On Zidane and Ancelotti

However, he believes Zidane’s success at Madrid was largely down to his ability to manage the squad effectively. In a team full of stars, leadership and management were crucial, and Zidane excelled in that area. 

“Why did Zidane succeed? It had a lot to do with the way you manage the group, in a team like that, if you have it, that’s it.” 

Rodriguez compares Zidane’s approach to Carlo Ancelotti, highlighting how the Italian manager has consistently brought out the best in players. 

He emphasises that top players like Kaka, Paolo Maldini, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo all thrived under Ancelotti, as his ability to foster a positive environment made him one of the best managers in the world.

“It’s like Ancelotti, the same thing, why does everyone perform with him? Kaka, Maldini, Cris, me, Vini, Rodrygo, nobody speaks badly, Carlo is spectacular, for me the best in the world.”

Looking back, Rodriguez appreciates the experiences and lessons learned during his time at Real Madrid. 

While his journey at the club may not have lasted as long as some expected, his contributions and memories remain a cherished part of his career.