Real Madrid Inconsistency meant Zidane couldn't trust Colombian

After three years at Real Madrid, James Rodriguez has headed for a new challenge with the blessing of former Blancos star Hugo Sanchez.

The Mexican put the attacking midfielder's recent struggles at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu down to an inability to satisfy coach Zinedine Zidane's demands for consistency and patience.

"James needed to prove to Zidane that he can trust him in every game, not just the once but also the next one," Sanchez remarked on Radio MARCA.

"One's character has to harden and that's what James was missing.

"To play for Real Madrid, you have to put a little more in."

Alvaro Morata's future was also discussed with Sanchez convinced that the striker's unhappiness is purely rooted in the understandable quest for game time.

"To sell Morata is a luxury that I hope is not necessary," he continued.

"It is clear that he prefers to be playing than warming the bench, and especially given that next year there is a World Cup, where he wants to start for the Spanish national side."