Video: Dennis Rodman returns from third trip to North Korea

Controversial retired NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman has returned from his third trip to North Korea without meeting up with his "friend" Kim Jong-un.

However, Rodman said he was confident the pair would meet up again. Speaking to the media, he said: "I'm not worried about it. I'll see him again."

The NBA champion nicknamed "The Worm" was in the hermit state for four days to train up the North Korean basketball team, ahead of a friendly match against former basketball players. He said the training was "awesome" before adding that the game would be taking in place in two weeks.

Rodman has been criticised for his visits to the country and his friendship with Kim Jong-un. Critics have called for the basketball star to use his relationship to try and secure the release of Christian missionary Kenneth Bae.

Howevever, Rodman has said that he is not on a political mission, opting instead for his "basketball diplomacy".

Rodman said: "If it happens he wants to talk about it great. But if it doesn't happen I just can't bring it up because I don't want him to think that I'm over here trying to be an ambassador trying to use him. I'm his friend and all of a sudden I start talking about politics, it's not going to be that way."