Monaco forward Radamel Falcao says that he, like many other players, can identify with the frustration that fellow Colombia international James Rodriguez must be feeling because of his lack of opportunities at Real Madrid.
Under coach Carlo Ancelotti, Colombian winger James made 46 appearances for Real in his first season at the club when he arrived from Monaco after winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup.
However, James has started in just 28 games in all competition since. Real coach Zinedine Zidane has instead called on Casemiro, Lucas Vazquez and Marco Asensio in that position.
Falcao, who played with James at Monaco during the 2013-14 campaign, told Cadena Cope radio: "I speak to James.
"I don't know if he's unhappy.
"[But] I do know that every player wants to play. I've been through that. When one doesn't play, he is not happy and things turn complicated. But it happens to all the players."
Falcao returned to Monaco this summer after a disappointing two-year spell in England.
The former Atletico Madrid star scored just four goals in 29 matches while on loan at Manchester United from Monaco in the 2014-15 campaign.
A loan spell at Chelsea proved worse, with the South American making just three starts in all competitions and scoring one goal in 15 appearances.
The 30-year-old forward has bounced back with a strong start to this season with the Moneguasque club, scoring seven goals and setting up one other in 12 appearances in all competitions.
"I'm really enjoying myself," he said. "I'm having continuity and playing ever game.
"Everything this season has been positive.
"The most important thing is that I'm playing."
Monaco are third in Ligue 1, three points adrift of league leaders OGC Nice.
They have also secured top spot in Group E of the Champions League with a game to spare.
"The team is playing well and we hope we can continue to do so," he said. "Our aim in the Champions League is to go as far as we can.
"We have to focus on our next game and not think about what will happen in three months' time.
"We are very enthusiastic but we need to take it one game at a time."
Falcao is grateful Monaco signed him in 2013 from Atletico, a transfer that cost €60 million, after the Spanish giants put the player up for sale.
"I was never offered the opportunity to continue at Atletico," Falcao revealed. "I was under the impression that they needed to sell their stars to survive. We understood the financial situation that the club had and my case was similar to the rest of the other stars who have been sold in the past.
"I had to leave and Monaco opened the door to me. Since I arrived, people have made me feel important here.
"I'm very happy and settled her. I feel loved and protected."
Falcao is under contract with Monaco until June 2018.