**James Rodriguez Seeks European Return After Leaving Sao Paulo**
Colombian legend James Rodriguez has reportedly ended his 12-month stint with Brazilian side Sao Paulo, with the 33-year-old now eyeing a return to Europe. Rodriguez’s decision comes on the back of an impressive Copa America campaign, where he led his side to the final and set a new record with six assists throughout the tournament.
Despite struggling for regular game time and form at Sao Paulo, Rodriguez was instrumental in Colombia’s Copa America run, guiding them to within touching distance of their first crown since 2001. His performances have now sparked interest from European clubs, with the Colombian maestro seeking a new challenge.
Rodriguez has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but has struggled to nail down regular minutes and produce his form for Colombia in the club game. After his sensational 2014 World Cup, he earned himself a big-money move to Real Madrid, where he made 125 appearances, including 94 starts, across a six-year stint.
However, since a somewhat more consistent two-year loan at Bayern Munich between 2017-19, Rodriguez has moved around frequently, joining Everton, Qatari side Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, and latterly Sao Paulo in four years. His time at Al-Rayyan was marked by struggles to adapt to the culture, with the Colombian admitting to feeling “afraid” and struggling to eat with his hands, as is the custom in Qatar.
Rodriguez’s next move remains unclear, but his impressive Copa America performances have undoubtedly sparked interest from European clubs. With his contract now terminated at Sao Paulo, the Colombian playmaker is free to explore new opportunities, and a return to Europe seems the most likely outcome.
James Rodriguez has reportedly ended his time with Sao Paulo after only 12 months in Brazil
The 33-year-old is reportedly looking for a move back to Europe after another brilliant international competition
Rodriguez joined Real Madrid for £62million in the wake of his stunning 2014 World Cup
He departed Qatari side Al-Rayyan in 2022 after admitting that he felt ‘afraid’ and struggled to adapt to the culture
The Colombian would spend only seven months at Olympiacos before ripping up his contract to become a free agent