In São Paulo, a momentous occasion unfolded as James Rodríguez, the Colombian football sensation, savored his inaugural Brazilian Cup triumph. The victory was a thrilling 2-1 aggregate win over Flamengo. Following this jubilant celebration, the coach, Dorival Junior, granted his triumphant squad a well-deserved day of rest, which incidentally led to an intriguing social media post from the Colombian star, perceived by many as a direct message to his coach.
The narrative began with an impressive 1-0 victory over Jorge Sampaoli’s team at the hallowed Maracana Stadium. Maintaining this lead was crucial, and they managed to secure a 1-1 draw in the return match at the Morumbi Stadium on September 24, 2023. Curiously, during this decisive encounter, James Rodríguez, a player of immense talent, remained absent from the pitch, marking the seventh title match in which he had not featured.
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A cryptic message?
The day following their triumph, James Rodríguez shared a compelling glimpse into his life, posting an image of himself engaging in rigorous gym workouts at his São Paulo residence. Accompanying the image was a succinct message: “I don’t like days off.” Interpretations of this statement were diverse, with some perceiving it as an expression of his frustration for not being involved in the team’s crucial recent matches, while others viewed it as a motivational nod to the impending Brasileirao challenges.
Offering insight into the situation, the President of São Paulo Football Club, Julio Casares, emphasized that James’ presence on the substitute bench was solely attributable to Coach Dorival Júnior’s discerning technical decisions. Casares stressed that the technical committee meticulously evaluates each player’s readiness and contribution.
Adding depth to James Rodríguez’s career, it’s worth noting that he had previously ventured into the Conmebol Libertadores Cup in 2010. At that time, he donned the colors of the Argentinean club Banfield, marking a significant step in his professional journey. During this stint, he participated in ten matches, exhibited his goal-scoring prowess, and intriguingly, received his first career red card, marking a notable chapter in his football history.
James Rodríguez descontou para o Tricolor.
São Paulo 1️⃣ x 2️⃣ Fortaleza #VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪 pic.twitter.com/tjZeYdRtiv
— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) September 21, 2023
