Zidane admits he didn't want James to leave
Zinedine Zidane has played down the idea James Rodriguez will be out to prove a point when he comes up against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday (AEST).
James could be included in Bayern Munich's starting XI when the Bundesliga champion has home advantage in the first leg of the semi-final.
The Colombia international fell down the pecking order during his second season at Madrid, leading to his departure on a two-year loan deal to Bayern, which has the option to make the move permanent.
Left out of its squad for the UEFA Champions League final last year, he now has the chance to knock his parent club out of this season's competition.
Yet Zidane revealed on the eve of the contest that he never wanted the player to leave Spain, while also stating there is no bad blood between the pair despite media speculation to the contrary.
"I didn't want James to go, he decided to go. I never had any problem with James and it's more about what is said in the press," the Frenchman said.
"I think he will be motivated because he is a football player. He doesn't have to prove anything to anyone.
"Anyone that thinks I am against James is wrong.
"He will want to go out and prove himself but because he likes football and that's it."
