He’s here – and he’s already spent his first night in Munich. James Rodríguez set foot on Bavarian soil for the first time as a Bayern player at around 8 pm on Tuesday evening. The first thing he encountered in his new home was the traditional local costume, as the Columbian was greeted by an airport staffer decked out in Lederhosen. The World Cup top scorer, who is celebrating his 26th birthday on this very day, then pulled on an FCB shirt and completed the first part of the obligatory pre-transfer medical.

“I’m very happy and looking forward to being at a huge club and in a great team. Everyone knows what FC Bayern stands for and what the club is about,” James told FC Bayern.tv after his arrival. The attacking midfielder is thoroughly looking forward to the new challenge: “It’s a new culture, a new club, a new life. But I’m really fired up, I’m dreaming big, and I’m hoping for great success here.”

Following the second part of his medical, James will officially sign for Bayern later in the morning. After that, from 14.30 CEST, the player will be unveiled at the Allianz Arena, before reporting to the Säbener Strasse headquarters for his first training session at 17.00.