Monday 19 September 2016 06:50, UK
James Rodriguez insists he has always felt supported by his team-mates and coach Zinedine Zidane after he marked his first La Liga start of the season with the goal which set Real Madrid on their way to a club-record 2-0 victory away to Espanyol on Sunday night.
The Colombian's future at the Bernabeu was in doubt over the summer and he was strongly linked with a big-money move to Chelsea, but he remained in the Spanish capital.
Rodriguez says he is determined to play a part in what has so far been a terrific campaign for Real, who top La Liga by three points from Barcelona having recorded a 16th consecutive league win at Espanyol, equalling the record of top-flight victories set by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in 2010-11.
"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."
Zidane said he was happy with the Colombian's performance and told Diario Sport: "We know his talent and he has done a great job."
The Frenchman was also pleased to have equalled Barcelona's record run, adding: "It is an anecdote but it shows the work all of the boys, who are doing great."
Madrid were without the attacking talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, missing through illness and injury respectively, and it was the third prong of the 'BBC' strike force, Karim Benzema, who sealed the win after 70 minutes when his powerful close-range finish rounded off an excellent team move involving Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez.
Real looked uncomfortable in the early stages and Zidane said: "Today we had a tough opponent and in the first half we found it difficult. In the second period we won more of the duels, we looked more joined-up in our play and got the second goal."
