It always looked as though James Rodríguez’s whistlestop tour of the MLS would prove to be just that, and now it appears to have been made official with Minnesota United confirming that the Colombian international has released the former Real Madrid star.
Signed in February as a free agent after his brief stint in Liga MX with Club León came to an end, the 34-year-old joined on a contract through June, with a club option to extend this deal through December. Whether or not this option will be triggered remains unclear.
At the time, Rodríguez, who is preparing to play a pivotal role in Colombia’s FIFA World Cup campaign in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada this summer, said, “I’m very happy for this new chapter in my life.
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Rodríguez has previously played for the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich -Credit:Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“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. 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 and always wants to win.”
However, after a mere eight appearances for Minnesota, just three of which he started, during which he failed to score and totaled just two assists, Rodríguez has been released to link up with his national team.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the club said, “Minnesota United today announced that the club will release midfielder James Rodríguez following tonight’s Colorado Rapids game to join the Colombian National Team camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“The club is proud to support James as he represents his country on the world’s biggest stage and wishes him success during camp and throughout the tournament.”
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As for Rodríguez’s future, he recently denied that he plans to retire after the World Cup, telling Apple TV+, “I don’t know who said that. I think it was in Colombia, for winning views, for winning likes.
“But well, I think they should be informed a little more about all these things. The only one who will know how far he wants to play, I think is me…
“I think I have a couple more years left. And all these things that are said, I think they are false. And I think all these things do harm to the whole country, to all the people. Because they believe things that are not. And to me too, of course. Because I have never said that.”
Rodríguez’s time in the MLS may end up proving to have been brief, but he seems to have left a positive impact on those around him, with teammate Anthony Markanich telling Apple TV+, “He talks to everybody, which is amazing. He’s a great locker room guy too, and he helps the younger guys. I mean, he’s amazing. I think we’re all gonna miss him…He’s a different class.”
He leaves Minnesota with the club sixth in the Western Conference, having started but been unable to be the difference maker in his final game on Wednesday – a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids.
