James Rodriguez Reveals Why He Snubbed PSG and Manchester City for ‘Glory’ at Real Madrid

Real Madrid holds a unique allure, with its storied history featuring legendary players like Alfredo Di Stefano, Ronaldo Nazario, Zinedine Zidane, and Cristiano Ronaldo. For many, donning the iconic Royal White jersey and gracing the Santiago Bernabeu pitch is a dream, even when more lucrative offers beckon from elsewhere.

James Rodriguez, the Colombian superstar, found himself in such a position after his stellar 2014 World Cup performance, claiming the Golden Boot and scoring one of the tournament’s unforgettable goals. Despite interest from top clubs, including PSG and Manchester City, James opted for Real Madrid in a £63 million move from AS Monaco.

In a recent revelation on Pelicanger’s Twitch, James shed light on his decision-making process, stating, “PSG and City both wanted me. Both teams came with more significant offers than Madrid, but I wanted glory; I wanted Real Madrid.”

The pivotal moment came when Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, engaged James in a conversation that encapsulated the essence of the club’s allure. Pérez asked, “What do you want, money or glory?” James, unwavering in his desire for greatness, responded, “I want glory.” Pérez’s simple yet impactful reply sealed the deal: “Well, it’s done.”

James enjoyed a remarkable debut season at Real Madrid, but the subsequent years did not match the initial success. Despite being viewed by some as a disappointment, James consistently delivered in the final third whenever given the opportunity. His career trajectory took him to a two-season loan stint at Bayern Munich, and he currently finds himself at Sao Paulo after spells at Al-Rayyan and Olympiacos.

At 32 years old, James Rodriguez’s journey in football has seen highs and lows, but his choice to pursue glory at Real Madrid continues to resonate as a testament to the unique allure the club holds for players worldwide.