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Rodriguez right to quit Real Madrid, says player's father

Wilson has defended his son's decision as Bayern prepare to host Besiktas in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Tuesday (February 20).

Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez (left) is currently on loan at Bayern Munich

Bengaluru, February 20: Colombian superstar James Rodriguez made exactly the right move by leaving Real Madrid for Bayern Munich according to his father.

His father Wilson has defended his son's decision as Bayern prepare to host Besiktas in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Tuesday (February 20).

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder signed on a two-year loan deal last summer with Bayern Munich from Real Madrid.

So far Rodriguez, 26, has played 24 times, helping the German giants carve out a 19-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

He has been one of the best players for the Bavarians this campaign and also was awarded the 'Bundesliga Player of the Month' in January.

And his father told Marca Claro: "My son did well leaving Real Madrid for Bayern Munich. He is very happy in Germany.

"I see him living a calm and cheerful life and it's incredibly important for him to perform on the pitch.

"He loves Real Madrid a lot, I don't think anybody can ever doubt that.

"But the best thing he could do was leave the team.

"He had lost the sporting joy on the pitch that he had when [Carlo] Ancelotti was coach."

Rodriguez was snapped up by Real Madrid following the 2014 World Cup where he was one of the best players.

Despite a very good debut season for the Los Blancos under Carlo Ancelotti, James' career seemed to be on the wane under the managers who succeeded Ancelotti especially under Zinedine Zidane. Although, injuries played a big role too.

However, Wilson Rodriguez claims that Zidane was one of the idols of James when he grew up and he still respects the Frenchman and will never say anything bad about the Real Madrid boss.

He said, “Zidane was one of his idols growing up, but he decided my son did not have a spot in the team…however, he will never criticise Zidane for that or anything related to football.”

Story first published: Tuesday, February 20, 2018, 12:09 [IST]
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