La Liga ambassador Patrick Kluivert discusses the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo following his departure from Real Madrid to join Juventus.
ESPN FC’s Stewart Robson explains why Real Madrid should explore other options before making Gareth Bale the focal point of the team.
James Rodriguez says he is happy and feels loved on loan at Bayern Munich, but said that the best years of his career so far have been at parent club Real Madrid.
After falling out of favour under former Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, James joined Bayern on a two-season loan last summer, with the agreement including an option to make the move permanent in July 2019. Following Zidane’s replacement by Julen Lopetegui, reports in Spain have claimed that James “is crazy” to return to Madrid, although a source at his agent Gestifute says there is no chance of that happening this summer.
Asked on Colombian YouTube programme “The Suso’s Show” whether he would stay at Bayern, the 27-year-old said his first year in Germany had been “spectacular” and he felt a close bond with the club and its fans.
“At the moment, yes,” James said. “I had a spectacular first season there. They love me a lot, the club, the fans.”
Asked during the show to name the best trophy wins of his career, James picked the two Champions Leagues won during his time in Madrid. The former Envigado, Banfield Porto and Monaco player also said that Madrid was the club at which he scored the most goals.
“I scored 36 goals there, it is the club where I scored the most goals,” he said. “It is not easy there. And 42 assists.”
Sources told ESPN FC that last July’s agreement between Madrid and Bayern does not include an option for any party to unilaterally break it, and Madrid were to receive a €5 million loan fee for each of James’ two seasons in Bavaria.
James had an up and mostly down three seasons at the Bernabeu after joining from Monaco for €80m following a superb World Cup 2014 with Colombia, while winning two Champions League medals, one La Liga title and two FIFA World Club Cups.
Last season saw him win a Bundesliga title, and also not celebrate when he scored at the Bernabeu as Bayern were knocked out 4-3 on aggregate by Madrid in the Champions League semifinals.
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