What started out to be a rumor is getting closer to a reality, as James Rodríguez's stepfather, Juan Carlos Restrepo, has opened up about the Colombian's desire to leave Bayern München to re-join Real Madrid.
Speaking to reputed Spanish radio show "El Larguero", Restrepo admitted that James and coach Julen Lopetegui discussed the player's future about 15 days ago.
"They talked about it 15 days ago or so. It was a brief but fruitful conversation," Restrepo said.
Despite being considered a major asset at Bayern München, the Colombian would be interested in returning to the Spanish capital, mainly because the man behind his loan deal to Bayern -Zinedine Zidane- is no longer Real Madrid's coach.
"We've analyzed what Lopetegui tries to accomplish with his teams, and I believe that his style favors players who try to dazzle people with their skills, such as is James' case. Zidane's model was effective, but it didn't make Real Madrid a dazzling team. Considering all options, we believe thagt James could have much more minutes under Lopetegui at Real Madrid," Restrepo added.
Despite these positive signs, Restrepo recalled that the Colombian ace, currently sidelined with a calf injury, is still under contract with The Bavarian side.
"He's had a wonderful year at Bayern, he had a great season over there. I'd say that he is willing to live up to his contract, but when your boyhood club comes calling, anything can happen. James has always carried Real Madrid inside his heart," Restrepo said.
Rodríguez's two-year loan at Bayern expires next June. The contract signed between Bayern and Real Madrid includes a $50M transfer fee, added to the $12M fee Die Roten paid to have the footballer around. Los Blancos seem desperate to see the player return, but if Bayern's execs decide they want to make the deal permanent, there will be nothing the Spanish giants will be able to do to have the Colombian filling Cristiano Ronaldo's void.
