The Colombian spent a season with the Blues in 2020-21, scoring six goals
James Rodriguez playing for Everton.
James Rodriguez playing for Everton.(Image: Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)
James Rodriguez has become the latest former Everton player to send an emotional message to supporters. The Colombian spent a season at Goodison Park in 2020-21.
Sunday was a seismic day for Blues around the globe, as the men's team played their final match at the club's home for 133 years.
Everton ran out 2-0 winners against Southampton after a brace from Iliman Ndiaye. After the final whistle, the club welcomed a number of former players out onto the pitch, while dozens of others paid their own tributes on social media.
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Rodriguez was not there in person, although a day on from the incredible farewell he shared his own message on Instagram: "Thank you, Evertonians, for all the love and support. Playing at Goodison Park was unforgettable. Once a Blue, always a Blue!"
The Colombian famously never played in front of supporters in his year at Goodison, as matches took place behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supporters were bewitched by the midfielder's vision and technical ability nonetheless and he was once handed a bottle of wine by a fan through his car window after an Everton win in a moment that went viral.
Rodriguez was signed by Carlo Ancelotti and dazzled in his short spell on Merseyside, netting six goals in 26 appearances.
The playmaker left Everton in the summer of 2021 after Ancelotti departed and was replaced by Rafael Benitez as manager.
Since then, the former Real Madrid star has had stints with Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paolo and Rayo Vallecano. He is currently playing for Leon in Liga MX.
Rodriguez is one of the highest-profile players to ever pull on the royal blue jersey.
In 2014 he won the the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup and earned a move to Real Madrid, where he won La Liga twice and the Champions League twice.