James Rodríguez's last game for Real Madrid was 816 days ago

James Rodríguez's last appearance in the starting XI for Real Madrid was back on 14 May 2017. Sevilla were visitors to the capital and 79,356 fans packed the Bernabéu for the penultimate league of the season. The league title was just a stone's throw away for Madrid (they sealed it a week later at La Rosaleda) with three games left to play - Sevilla, the rearranged Week 21 meeting with Celta (played on  Wednesday) and Málaga. Zidane left Luka Modric on the bench and fielded James Rodríguez in his starting XI. Fans knew that the Colombian would be leaving once the season was over even though there has been no official word from the club. His differences with Zidane were beyond repair and seeing him leave was too painful to bear.

James, loved by the Bernabéu

James played a part in Madrid's second goal of the afternoon (finished off, as per usual, by Cristiano) and with half an hour of normal time to play he was taken off. James made way for Casemiro and the Bernabéu broke into enthusiatic applause for the No.10. They knew this was likely to be his farewell appearance and James, clearly moved by the ovation raised his arms in acknowledgement and applauded back. They had always been a connection between the Colombian and the Bernabéu. Cristiano and Toni Kroos wrapped up the scoring with Madrid winning the game 4-1.

Final appearance at La Rosaleda

James played no part in the midweek game in Vigo but did come on as a second half sub on the final day of the league, replacing Isco when the team was already 0-2 up against Málaga. That was the final time he pulled on the white shirt for Los Blancos - he was loaned out to Bayern Munich before the team started the pre-season.

Give James a chance

Since then 816 days have passed. It has flown by. If James travels to Vigo (he is in the squad to go) and is given a chance, it will be his first game for Madrid in 27 months. I for one, would really love to see that happen.