Former Everton star James Rodriguez has now signed for Minnesota United in the United States.
The Colombia international has signed up for Major League Soccer as he aims to build up his fitness ahead of the World Cup this summer, after brief stints with Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and Leon since leaving Everton in September 2021.
When speaking to The Athletic after the move to Minnesota, a suggestion was made by James Rodriguez about his move to Everton in 2020.
Which former Everton striker would you hypothetically bring back to play in the current side? 🤩
David Moyes quote on having Wayne Rooney back at Everton in a dream scenario.
Credit: Getty Images/Jamie McDonald.
James Rodriguez suggests he wanted to sign for Atletico Madrid instead of Everton
Before moving to Merseyside in September 2020, the Colombian had actually agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid as he aimed to escape the bitter cold of Munich, which he has now elaborated on.
Rodriguez said: “As for the Munich thing, in Colombia they changed all that just to stir up gossip. They think I left because of the cold. But I left for a different reason: because I essentially had a done deal with Atletico (Madrid). I wanted to live in Madrid. My daughter was there. But that’s in the past now. It’s true that what I said about Munich was just that – it was a joke – but in Colombia, they took it the wrong way. They always take what I say the wrong way.”
As no other move materialised, the South American spent one last season at Real Madrid – making just eight appearances – before sealing his switch to Everton.
However, it seems the famous move to Merseyside might never have even happened if the agreement with Atletico Madrid ended up progressing.
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James Rodriguez remains fond of Everton despite running into Rafa Benitez
It was Rafa Benitez who eventually sold the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner after replacing Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian was the main reason Rodriguez signed for Everton in the first place, but he came to be quite fond of the Toffees despite how the Spaniard treated him.
During an interview with AS back in February 2022, the man born in Cucuta said: “In the end, the coach (Benitez) didn’t want to count on me, it’s the preferences of each coach, some like you, others don’t and that’s respectable, but I’d come back, why not, I left everything, I always trained, worked and the Everton fanbase is very big and supports well.”
Rodriguez also teased a return in 2024 by proposing one “last dance” with Everton on Instagram.
What would your message to David Moyes be after another loss at home? 😫
He seemed fairly pleased with his players despite the defeat 😬
David Moyes' response on Everton's form at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA.
The Colombian superstar may only have been on Merseyside for a fleeting visit, but he certainly left an impact.
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