Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reveals why Bayern didn't sign James Rodríguez

OneFootball

Blaise Bourgeois·5 June 2019

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted James Rodríguez never wanted to sign for the club on a permanent deal due to concerns over playing time.

The German giants could have activated his purchase option for €42m but ultimately declined and let James return to Real Madrid.

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“We had a personal conversation with [James] and he asked us not to exercise his purchase option,” Rummenigge said.

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“He wants to play and be a starter, and here at Bayern, that’s not guaranteed. Personally, I am sorry about it.”

Despite making just 13 Bundesliga starts last season, James managed to score seven times in addition to his four assists in 20 appearances.

In his two years at Bayern, the Colombian played 67 matches for the club and scored 15 goals while contributing 20 assists.