Santiago Arias: James and I spoke about Atletico Madrid Real Madrid Midfielder almost left Real Madrid

Santiago Arias has admitted that he spoke to James Rodriguez about a possible move to Atletico Madrid for the midfielder.

James was tipped to leave Real Madrid this summer, with Atletico being touted as a possible destination, but he ended up staying at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

"We talked about Atleti," Arias, who plays with James in the Colombian national team, told Onda Madrid.

"I asked him if the rumours were true and I explained how things were here, but not much else.

"There were options, but we didn't speak about it much more because it was down to the clubs."

Like James, Arias has stayed in Madrid for the international break. The right-back wasn't called up to Colombia's squad.

"For me it's an honour to wear the national team's shirt, but well, you have to keep moving forward here," Arias said.

"I'm doing everything to get back into the squad, with hard work and effort I will eventually do it."

Arias is also currently out of the Atletico team after the arrival of Kieran Trippier and the Englishman's recent impressive displays.

"I have a good relationship with Trippier," Arias said.

"It's healthy competition. You have to respect this, you can never wish anything bad on anyone.

"On a personal level, we speak in English, I learned [to speak] it in Holland.

"The important thing is having a good team, that the best players play. He has good strengths, you can learn from everyone."

With his place in the Atletico side in serious doubt, Arias admitted that he had the chance to leave the club this summer.

"I had no doubts [about staying]. although I had other options," Arias said.

"I wanted to stay and fight for my place. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, you can do it with hard work, humility and proving [yourself].

"I arrived late from the Copa America but I think I'm at an excellent level.

"I keep training at 100 percent, waiting for my chance, things have gone quite well up until now.

"You have to know [how] to wait for your chance, the coach is the one who decides and it's important to be prepared if he needs you."