No hard feelings towards Zidane: James

May 1, 2018 at 1:29 AM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
No hard feelings towards Zidane: James

James Rodriguez’s respect for Real Madrid means he will not celebrate if he scores for Bayern Munich in their Champions League semi-final second leg.

The Colombia international is in the first season of a two-year loan spell with the Bundesliga champions, who have the option to purchase him on a permanent basis.

He appears unlikely to return to Madrid after falling out of favour under Zinedine Zidane, although the 26-year-old insists he holds no ill will toward the coach.

Instead, the playmaker is focused on helping Bayern overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg when the teams meet again on Tuesday.

“I was treated very well here. It was three unique years when I won many titles,” James said at his pre-match media conference.

“It also has something to do with respect for the club and the spectators.

“I don’t have any hard feelings towards Zidane. I just want to play week in, week out. There’s nothing against Zidane or this club.

“I am very happy [at Bayern] and just thinking of this game and of playing a good World Cup. Then we’ll see what happens.”

While plenty of eyes will be on James, the pressure is also on Robert Lewandowski to perform after he failed to fire in the first leg.

The striker has come under increasing scrutiny as speculation mounts over his future at the club, but Thomas Muller believes criticism of his team-mate is unwarranted.

“Lewandowski hasn’t scored in the last few weeks but has 28 in the Bundesliga this season, which is a testament to him. His qualities are undisputed,” Muller said.

“Real have a superb scorer [Cristiano Ronaldo] who did not score in the first leg either. But they won 2-1, so it does not get discussed.”

Related Article
Revealed: James Rodriguez Net Worth, Endorsements and Salary
Revealed: James Rodriguez Net Worth, Endorsements and Salary

Nov 2, 2018, 2:51 PM


James Rodriguez set for Colombia return
James Rodriguez set for Colombia return

Oct 1, 2018, 4:51 PM


Rodriguez left out of Colombia squad
Rodriguez left out of Colombia squad

Aug 29, 2018, 1:00 PM


James Rodriguez Wants To Stay At Bayern
James Rodriguez Wants To Stay At Bayern

Jul 29, 2018, 5:02 PM


James Rodriguez In Talks With Spanish Tax Authority
James Rodriguez In Talks With Spanish Tax Authority

Jul 27, 2018, 5:58 PM


Transfer Latest: James Rodriguez not Returning to Real Madrid
Transfer Latest: James Rodriguez not Returning to Real Madrid

Jul 20, 2018, 1:48 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner