Real Madrid return for James? Bayern loanee refuses to address future rumours

James Rodriguez has refused to be drawn on a possible return to Real Madrid once a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich comes to a close.

Having been shunted down the pecking order at Santiago Bernabeu amid fierce competition for places, the Colombia international headed to Germany in the summer of 2017.

Following a slow start to life at the Allianz Arena, which has been put down to his frustration in Spain, the 26-year-old has rediscovered his form to become a key part of Bayern’s plans.

He has helped them to the Bundesliga title and Champions League semi-finals – where they suffered a 2-1 first leg defeat to Real on Wednesday – but James is reluctant to speculate on what his future may hold.

Amid talk of those in Madrid welcoming him back in 2019, the South American told beIN Sports: “Return to Madrid? I don’t know, nobody knows what will happen in the future but currently I am with Bayern.

“I’m in a good phase of form at the minute and I am good here, I am happy.”

While pleased with his performances overall at Bayern, James is among those to have aired their frustration at the German giants surrendering an early lead against Real to leave them with a European mountain to climb.

He said of a disappointing evening for the Bavarians which saw Marcelo and Marco Asensio cancel out Joshua Kimmich’s opener: “In this game Madrid had to clear opportunities and they scored from both while we had four or five and have not been able to score.

“This is a freak game, we have played very well yet have been on the wrong side of the result.

“In Madrid it will be very difficult, but we must be very attentive and try to turn every opportunity into a goal.”