Former Real Madrid star Hugo Sanchez believes James Rodriguez lacked the character to play for the LaLiga and Champions League titleholder after joining Bayern Munich.
James ended his time with Madrid on Tuesday, moving to Bundesliga champion Bayern on a two-year loan deal with the option of a permanent transfer.
The 25-year-old fell down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu following Zinedine Zidane's arrival in January 2016 – starting just 13 LaLiga matches as Madrid dethroned Barcelona last season.
James will now reunite with former boss Carlo Ancelotti but Sanchez – who won five LaLiga titles during his time in the Spanish capital – questioned the Colombia international.
"James needed to prove to Zidane that he can trust him in every game, not just the once but also the next one," Sanchez told Radio MARCA .
"One's character has to harden and that's what James was missing.
"To play for Real Madrid, you have to put a little more in."
However, James – who has the option of a permanent transfer to Bayern after reuniting with former head coach Carlo Ancelotti – had nothing but praise for Madrid's supporters.
"Dear Madridistas, I am grateful for all the good moments we have shared in three wonderful years," James said on Instagram on Tuesday as he published a video.
"I'm happy to have been able to wear this shirt, which I always wore with a lot of pride, and I can only say thank you for all the love, I will take with me the best experiences. Thanks for everything!"
Colombia international James scored 36 goals and provided 41 assists in 111 competitive appearances for Madrid following his arrival in 2014.
Comments
SHARE