James Rodriguez: “I’d like to stay at Bayern Munich”
James Rodriguez has reiterated his commitment to the Bayern Munich cause, telling fans “I’d like to stay here because I feel the love.”
James is midway through a two-year loan deal from Real Madrid, and after hitting the ground running at the Allianz Arena – with seven goals, 11 assists and a Bundesliga title in his maiden campaign – he has found first-team opportunities more limited under Niko Kovac.
The Colombia star, who top-scored at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with six goals, started just five of Bayern's Bundesliga games this season before a knee ligament injury ruled him out until 2019 days before the Klassiker. James remains upbeat, though.
Watch: Every single one of James' goals and assists from last season!
“I’d like to stay because I feel the love of the fans,” he said, as reported by SportBild. “That’s true here in Munich, and actually the entire Bayern family. I feel very good right now. I want to be fully match fit in one to two weeks."
James’ first-team return is perhaps more likely to be the Rückrunde opener against Hoffenheim in mid-January, but Kovac can expect a motivated player when available.
"Our coach is young and has good footballing skills,” James concluded. “He certainly has a bright future.”