Monaco and Colombia star James Rodriguez has turned down the chance to sign for Real Madrid, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The young playmaker set the World Cup alight with his performances for the Colombian national side and despite their exit to Brazil, still sits at the top of the goalscoring charts with six goals.
The former Porto man joined Ligue 1 side Monaco last summer in a mega-money deal but it was reported that the likes of Real Madrid were keen to push for a move following his displays for his country.
Madrid, who are keen to sell Argentine forward Angel Di Maria – saw Rodriguez as the perfect replacement, but he has turned down the opportunity, deciding not to follow in the footsteps of Radamel Falcao, who is reportedly set to join Madrid in the coming weeks.
“No. I will stay with Monaco, they are a great club,” Rodriguez is quoted as saying in Colombian media and on Mundo Deportivo.
Rodriguez managed 10 goals and 12 assists last season for Monaco and helped them to a second place finish, just one season after returning to the French top flight.