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There was a time when James Rodríguez had the world at his feet. After a sublime 2014 World Cup, his name was everywhere. Then, Real Madrid decided to sign him, and his global recognition and fame levels went wild.
James was a hot item and had enough sauce to become a king.
But suddenly, he did not. Circa 2017, the Colombian entered into a weird downward spiral that currently has him looking for a new gig.
What's going on with James Rodríguez?
FYI: The 31-year-old Rodríguez was playing for Olympiacos in Greece. However, the relationship ended Thursday after both parties published social media statements confirming the player's departure.
"Olympiacos FC and James Rodríguez have decided to terminate their cooperation. James will always be part of our club and a member of the "red-and-white" family," wrote the Greek club on Twitter. "We want to thank him for his service and we wish him every success in the future."
OLYMPIACOS FC and @jamesdrodriguez have decided to terminate their cooperation. James will always be part of our club and a member of the "red-and-white" family. We want to thank him for his service and we wish him every success in the future. #Olympiacos #James #JR10 #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/DGazXRZSUU
— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) April 13, 2023
"I would like to thank everyone for all the time that we have spent together," added Rodríguez on his personal account.
I would like to thank everyone for all the time that we have spent together. although we are going our separate ways, I feel that I will always be a member and welcomed in the family of the great port Piraeus. I wish all the best to Olympiacos and every success in the future. pic.twitter.com/BTddkWubiQ
— James Rodríguez (@jamesdrodriguez) April 13, 2023
It seems all very amicable, but the local press reports that the relationship between James and the current technical staff soured dramatically last weekend and forced them to take action before the end of the current campaign.
Rodríguez joined Olympiacos at the beginning of the 2022-23 season and had a promising start with one goal and one assist in his first three matches. But then his contributions started to decline.
After 22 matches with the Greeks, James bagged five goals and six assists, which sure isn't terrible, but also not enough considering his high salary. In fact, during the last few weeks, there were already rumors that the team would reject the chance to renew his contract for next season.
And then, the dressing room incident.
According to reports in Greece, Rodríguez didn't like being replaced at halftime during the game between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos last Sunday. On Monday, coach José Anigo demanded the player apologize, but James didn't do it and abandoned the training session. One day later, the Colombian doubled down his attitude and didn't show up to work.
Οσα έγιναν στο ντέρμπι του @olympiacosfc στη Λεωφόρο, δεν μπορούσαν να γίνουν ανεκτά. Οι σταρ, πρέπει είναι τέτοιοι & λόγω της συμπεριφοράς τους & του σεβασμού στην ομάδα & τον συμπαίκτη. Ο Χάμες έκανε λάθη. Την Κυριακή & τις επόμενες ημέρες, το τερμάτισε.https://t.co/CdQg5fhhew
— Nikos Kotsis (@Nikos_Kotsis) April 13, 2023
In other words, it seems like James forced his exit. Similar to what happened with him leaving Real Madrid for Everton, then Everton for Al-Rayyan, and Al-Rayyan for Olympiacos.
What's next for James?
As a free agent, rumors around James' future are swirling. Among the most serious reports, Galatasaray and Besiktas in Turkey look like highly possible options.
However, transfer rumors are fun, so everybody wants a piece of the shitshow. You already can see Rodríguez being linked to with MLS, Liga MX, a few teams in Brazil, a possible return to Colombia and even the chance to join the Kings League in Spain.
Colombian streamer Juan Guarnizo, owner of Aniquiladores FC, revealed he talked with James, but the player didn't commit.
