The contractual breakup between James Rodríguez and São Paulo is an open secret that, pending only a few final details, could be definitively confirmed in the coming days.
The Colombian and his agents have already agreed on the termination of this bond with the São Paulo team, and the issue has reportedly reached the São Paulo locker room, as seen after the recent victory against Goiás. After the match, Calleri confirmed and lamented the departure of the Cucuteño: “It’s a shame,” he stated.
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Jonathan Calleri confirmed the imminent departure of James Rodríguez
On Tuesday night, São Paulo managed to defeat Goiás in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. With goals from Luciano and Jonathan Calleri, the São Paulo team secured a solid victory, giving them an advantage in the tie. However, after the match, Calleri also became a focal point with statements that went viral.
The Argentine footballer, who has played in European football, spoke about James Rodríguez, indirectly confirming his imminent departure and expressing regret that the Colombian could not adapt to Brazilian football:
“I love his playing style, but he didn’t fit in. It’s a shame he couldn’t integrate into the team; he’s one of the best players I’ve played with. It’s a pity he’s leaving; it would have been very important to have James Rodríguez on the team if we wanted to win the Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil. If it’s for the best that he leaves, then it’s a shame,” said the Argentine forward.
Calleri also spoke about James on a personal level, assuring that he is a professional who always acted in the best way with the group:
“I didn’t know; they talked about it at the end of the match. It’s a shame not to have him here with us, a shame he couldn’t fit into the team. He’s a number 10 who played for Real Madrid; São Paulo doesn’t have a number 10 who played for Real Madrid every day, and as a striker, playing with someone who played in the Copa América and was the best player in the Copa América… it’s a shame he’s not with us.”
“With us, he always behaved in the best way. He was always very humble with us, which you don’t see every day; I wish him the best. He couldn’t fit in here, but he was part of us, and now we must move forward,” he assured.
What will his next step be?
Initially, James Rodríguez is already negotiating with various clubs in Europe and America. According to transfer market insider Ekrem Konur, James is on the interest list of all these teams: Rayo Vallecano, Inter Miami, Celta de Vigo, Atlético de Madrid and Real Betis.
