Bayern Munich have confirmed that James Rodriguez has left the club following his two-year loan spell and has returned to Real Madrid.
The Colombian had been in the final month of a two-year loan deal at the Bavarian club and while he has returned to parent club Madrid, he has now been linked with a permanent exit.
James started just 13 Bundesliga matches this campaign and was said to want more regular first-team football, with a reported fractured relationship with Bayern boss Niko Kovac.
The 27-year-old has been in strong form in recent months but was dropped for Bayern’s crunch Bundesliga title clash against Borussia Dortmund, appearing to confirm his fate.
James netted a hat-trick for Bayern in, their recent 6-0 win over Mainz, prompting reports that he could remain in the Bundesliga, but he has now confirmed his exit.
The former Porto and Monaco star spent three seasons at Los Blancos, helping them to two European titles, but started just 13 La Liga games in his final campaign.
Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti brought James from Monaco to the Spanish capital back in 2014 and worked with him again during his time with Bundesliga giants Bayern, with the Italian club linked to a move.