Washington (United States) (AFP) – Colombian national team captain James Rodriguez has signed a short-term contract with Minnesota United ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the MLS club announced on Friday. The 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder, who last played for Mexican side Leon, has a guaranteed contract through June with a team option through December.
“I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life,” Rodriguez said. “I want to win, I’m a guy who loves to win. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve arrived at a nice and good club from what I have seen. I always live for football. It’s a sport I love and I do with passion and a lot of desire.”
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United sporting director Khaled El-Ahmad addressed US government deportation efforts in Minnesota that have led to two killings and numerous large protests. “In terms of the overall energy around our state, James and his team are aware,” El-Ahmad said. “It’s something we touched on but we really try to think about like ‘OK, come and bring good energy to the community.’ From a personal perspective I think it’s horrible, I think it’s unfortunate, I think it’s a tough situation to be, but we hear it, we feel it, we’re behind our community. The addition of James brings a bit of positive energy and attention to community that’s strong, united, just like our football principles.”
Rodriguez hoped to brighten supporters. “I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans because I’m also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field.” The Loons went 16-8 with 10 draws last year to finish fourth in the Western Conference and fell in the playoff quarter-finals. “James is a player whose quality, vision, and experience at the highest levels of the game are unquestioned,” El-Ahmad said. “We’re excited to add his creativity and football intelligence to our group.”
Rodriguez said he wanted to play in MLS after star turns in Europe and Latin America and exposure to MLS clubs in last year’s Leagues Cup. “I’ve played for big clubs but I wanted this league, I wanted to play here,” he said. “When the opportunity to be with this great club came along, everything was a little slow, but it happened. We have made efforts on both sides.”
Rodriguez did not see Minnesota’s cold climate as a worry. “I’ve already been to a cold city like Munich,” he said. “I think there’ll be no problem with that.” Rodriguez said he has been training for just over a month and will be ready when Minnesota’s MLS campaign kicks off on February 21 at Austin. “MLS clubs are tough, physical teams, but football is the same everywhere,” he said. “When you arrive at a new house you have to adapt to the rules.”
Rodriguez is also set to compete for Colombia in June at the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. “I’m in a unique stage,” he said. “In five months I have the World Cup. I’m at a stage where I can’t fail, I have to do things right. I’m very focused on that.”
© 2024 AFP
