James Rodriguez hoping to remain with Champions League winners Real Madrid

29 May 2016 01:23

James Rodriguez has spoken of his desire to remain at Real Madrid, despite remaining on the bench for Saturday's Champions League final victory.

Real defeated cross-city rivals Atletico on penalties to win their 11th European Cup, but Rodriguez did not appear even as they pursued victory during their 1-1 draw.

The Colombia international, who joined them for a fee that could rise to £71million in 2014, is yet to truly establish himself at the club and there has been speculation surrounding his future.

He is determined to stay at the Bernabeu, however, insisting he can improve from the difficulties he has experienced.

"The season was a little strange but when you have bad things you learn too, eventually you learn every day," said the 24-year-old, in quotes published by Fox Sports.

"You never know in football but I want to stay here and my idea is to be here for many more years.

"I think I need to look forward. I'm happy here. All my people are happy. This is the ideal club and I want to be here.

"I'm happy, everyone played a great game and in the end it was good. I wanted the team to win, what's best is I get another Champions League (winner's medal)."

Real won when Cristiano Ronaldo struck the decisive penalty to secure a 5-3 shootout victory shortly after Juanfran missed for Atletico.

Sergio Ramos' controversial finish gave Real a 15th-minute lead that was preserved when Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty. Substitute Yannick Carrasco equalised to send the final at Milan's San Siro into extra-time.

Defeat represented Atletico's second in three years in a Champions League final, and manager Diego Simeone afterwards refused to commit his future to the club.

Midfielder Tiago Mendes is convinced the Argentinian will remain, however, and defender Diego Godin is confident they will all recover.

"I have no doubt that Simeone will stay with us," said Tiago, according to Football Espana.

"The blow is hard to take, but we'll get up. We always have. We're very proud of what we did this season.

"Our efforts were impressive, but it couldn't be crowned with a victory. Still, this is football so we'll look for another opportunity.

"This is a winning group. I'm very proud of my team-mates and we'll continue fighting for our objectives, so we'll keep dreaming."

Source: PA