James Rodriguez is “extraordinary”, according to Florentino Perez, but the Real Madrid president admits his future remains unclear.
The Colombian playmaker was left out of the Blancos matchday squad for their Champions League final victory over Juventus.
That snub offered one final frustration for the 25-year-old at the end of a testing campaign in which he has often struggled for starts at the La Liga champions.
His absence from Zinedine Zidane’s plans has also reignited talk of a possible summer transfer, with Manchester United among those reported to be keen.
Perez told Antena 3 amid Madrid’s celebrations in Cardiff: "I do not know what will happen to James.
“All of our players are very good and he is extraordinary. We have so many and the rules are like that, there are always some sacrifices.
“I would keep everyone but now we'll talk to the coach [Zidane] to try and set a new record. He will decide changes in the squad.”
James finished the season with 11 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions.
He provided six assists in his Liga outings, but that was not enough to earn him a regular role under Zidane.
United are among those to have been linked with a £50 million approach for his services when the transfer window re-opens.