String-pulling midfielder James Rodriguez - scorer of three Bundesliga goals this season - says he wants to stay at Bayern Munich. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA
String-pulling midfielder James Rodriguez - scorer of three Bundesliga goals this season - says he wants to stay at Bayern Munich. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

James Rodriguez: “I’d like to stay at Bayern Munich”

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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.”

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