James Rodríguez has asked to leave Bayern Munich after two seasons at the club, Bayern Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed.
Rodríguez has spent the last two seasons at the German outfit after being loaned out by parent club Real Madrid in 2017.
Rummenigge, a public admirer of Rodríguez, thought it was senseless to stand in the player’s way.
“In principle, the decision was made because he [James] came to me before the end of the season and asked me not to activate the option,” he said.
“His agent [Jorge Mendes] also called me again last week. Activating the option now against his will makes no sense.
“You should not hire a player for €42million with an appropriate salary if you cannot offer him a firm position.”
Rodríguez made a name for himself at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he led his nation to the quarter-finals and was awarded the golden boot with a total of six goals.
He has since struggled to live up to that form, whether it be for Real Madrid or Bayern.
The Colombian’s next move is unknown, however he has been linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus as well as Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli – a manager he played under at Real Madrid for two seasons.
Before deciding on his next destination, Rodríguez will turn his attention to the 2019 Copa America.
Colombia are in Group B with Argentina, Paraguay and tournament invitees Qatar.
