Agony for James (©AFP)
Agony for James (©AFP)

Unwanted man: James Rodriguez is set to be the first victim of Rafael Benitez's Everton reign

Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 31.07.21. | 12:15

The Colombian star hints at his Goodison Park departure by saying that you must be somewhere where you're wanted

When Everton appointed Rafael Benitez as their new manager a few weeks ago, it was a footballing earthquake in the city of Liverpool. It was unthinkable that the former Reds manager could take over at their biggest rivals. But it happened. And it's not going to be the only shock Benitez will provide.

James Rodriguez, one of Everton's best players, admitted that he has become unsettled at the club and that his future in the blue half of Liverpool isn't secure. It looks like the new boss doesn't count on the Colombia international for the upcoming Premier League campaign. Speaking in a live Twitch stream, the former Real Madrid player seemed disillusioned with his life at Goodison Park.

The man who signed James for Everton, Carlo Ancelotti, was tempted back to Spain by their former club Real Madrid and he jumped on the opportunity to return to the Spanish capital. Unlike the Italian, Benitez isn't going to base his tactics around the 30-year-old.

"I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know where I'm going to play. You know that you don't know anything in football and in life, but all I know is that I've been training hard, preparing well, training for myself, and that's it. It's complicated. I will play wherever I'm wanted. Someone has to be at a place they're wanted."

Despite spending more than six years at the Bernabeu and playing for Ancelotti at Bayern Munich on loan during that spell, Rodriguez has emphatically denied that he will follow the revered coach to the Spanish giants.

"No, I don't think I will go back to Madrid. That is a closed cycle which I won't repeat."

The 30-year-old featured as Everton continued their pre-season preparations by winning the Florida Cup on penalties on Sunday. He was not called up for his country's Copa America campaign, which ended with defeat to Peru in the third-place play-off.


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James RodriguezEvertonRafael BenitezCarlo AncelottiEnglish Premier League

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