How to get movementDirection using CharacterController but without input.GetAxis ?

Hi,

I have been trying for hours to find a good way get movementDirection using a CharacterController. The object has no input.GetAxis and I need a float for direction (mecanim).

I came this far;

characterVelocity = controller.velocity;

thisAnimator.SetFloat("Direction", Vector3.Cross(thisAnimator.rootRotation * Vector3.forward, Vector3(characterVelocity.x, 0, characterVelocity.z)).y);

But this is not working correctly.

Thank you.