Madrid, July 22 (IANS) Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez on Friday revealed that he was the subject of an 85 million euros ($93.6 million) transfer offer this summer but pointed out that he has no intention to leave the record European football champions.
The Colombian recently reneged on his plans to leave the reigning Champions League winners, which prompted Los Blancos to withdraw their interest in new Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes as a potential replacement.
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"I will fight to earn my place. That's my dream. I will stay at Real Madrid, I will succeed here," Rodriguez was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca.
"I know that the club received an 85 million euros bid for me, but I'm not leaving," he added.
After playing for Colombian second division club Envigado during his childhood, he moved to Argentine club Banfield, followed by Portuguese club Porto and French side Monaco. And the 25-year-old, who thoroughly impressed in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, eventually signed a six-year contract with the Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be approximately 80 million euros ($88 million).
James made his debut in the UEFA Super Cup at Cardiff City Stadium against Sevilla, in which Real Madrid won 2-0. He played 72 minutes before being replaced by Isco.
From there on, he became a key member in the Madrid side. However, he failed to find a permanent place in the Real side.
--IANS
