Rodman: Kim’s My Friend… And I love Him

*Kim and Rodman

DENNIS Rodman is headed back to North Korea with a group of former NBA players, because he says it’s leader, Kim Jong-Un is his friend and he loves him.
The ex-Chicago Bulls player is leading a team including retired NBA All-Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker for an exhibition game against North Korea, which is being held Wednesday to mark Kim's birthday.
Rodman told reporters at Beijing airport that he hoped the match could "open the doors" to "talk about certain things"
"But I am not going to sit there and go 'Hey guy, you are doing the wrong thing. That is not the right way to do it. He is my friend first ... and I love him," Rodman said.
Rodman has developed a relationship with the North Korean leader since making his first trip there in February last year, when he declared Kim a "friend for life".
Former NBA players Doug Christie, Craig Hodges and Charles D Smith are also in Rodman's side for the exhibition game.
Five players were travelling with Rodman on his flight to Pyongyang, while another will arrive on Tuesday, one of the trip's organisers told AFP.
The young Kim, who was educated in Switzerland, is reported to be a keen basketball fan and especially of the Chicago Bulls, for whom Rodman played a key role in winning three NBA titles alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s.
Rodman, who is making his fourth visit to Pyongyang, made his last trip shortly before Christmas, when he trained the North Korean players.
Earlier last year, he visited the North with the Harlem Globetrotters, as part of what he describes as "basketball diplomacy".
The Korean capital, Pyongyang will host of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.