James Rodriguez addresses Napoli & Juventus links as Bayern confirm exit
Bayern Munich have confirmed James Rodriguez will leave the club when his two-year loan deal from Real Madrid expires at the end of the month.
The Colombia international has notched 14 goals and 15 assists in 43 Bundesliga games during his spell with the Bavarians but has consistently struggled to hold down a place in the starting line-up.
Where next for Rodriguez? Five key things to know…
- Rodriguez won two Bundesliga titles and a DFB-Pokal during his two-year loan at Bayern.
- But the Bavarians have decided against signing him from Real Madrid permanently.
- The Colombian scored 15 goals in 67 games in all competitions for Bayern.
- Rodriguez, 27, is now being linked with Serie A giants Napoli and Juventus.
- But the playmaker is yet to indicate where his preferred destination will be.
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Bayern were thought to have an option to make his loan move a permanent one, but that will not be taken up, with club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge thanking Rodriguez for his contribution to Bayern’s successes.
“I thank James on behalf of FC Bayern Munich for two successful years,” he said.
“We have twice won the German Championship and the DFB Cup with him. In addition, we reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with him last season. James made an important contribution to all these successes.
“We wish James all the best for his future.”
Rodriguez thanked Bayern’s fans for their “great support” and wished the club well in the future after winning consecutive Bundesliga titles in Bavaria.
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“My big thanks goes to the entire club and the fans who have always given us great support,” he said.
“It was two unforgettable years for me in Munich and I have always felt very well here. I take the best memories and wish FC Bayern the best for the future.”
Rodriguez – who is currently on international duty with Colombia – is now being linked with a move to Serie A with Juventus and Napoli said to be interested, but thus far the playmaker is remaining grounded.
“Naples or Turin? I prefer Medellin,” he responded when asked about the interest from the two Italian teams.
“I’m calm, I’m just thinking about the national team. We’ll see what happens.”
