JAMES RODRIGUEZ is leaving Minnesota United and has reportedly told the club he could retire after the World Cup.
Rodriguez, 34, only signed for the MLS outfit in February but has already decided to call it quits.
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James Rodriguez is ready to quit Minnesota United after only three months Credit: Alamy
The 2026 World Cup could be the Colombian’s footballing farewell Credit: Getty
The 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner signed a contract with Minnesota until the end of June which included an option to run until the end of 2026.
But both parties would need to consent for the second six months to be triggered, and Minnesota ‘wanted to honour Rodriguez’s wishes’ by letting him go, according to The Athletic.
The Colombian playmaker has only made four MLS appearances – three of which came as a sub – and did not score or assist in 103 minutes of action.
Rodriguez is now expected to leave for good and join up with Colombia after Minnesota’s clash with Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.
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His preparations will then begin for the World Cup, which could double up as his final footballing farewell.
According to AS Colombia, Rodriguez has told Minnesota bosses that he is considering retirement.
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Rodriguez burst onto the scene at the 2014 World Cup Credit: EPA
The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star has won eight league titles in Argentina, Portugal, Spain and Germany.
He also boasts two Champions League crowns – but will mostly be remembered for a stunning 2014 World Cup campaign in which he scored six goals and led Colombia to the quarter-finals, earning himself a £71million move to the Bernabeu.
Rodriguez’s only stint in the Premier League came under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton in 2020-21.
He has become a journeyman in recent years but spells with a whole host of top clubs have seen him pile up an estimated £68m in career earnings.
With 31 goals in 124 appearances for Colombia, Rodriguez is in the top three for appearances and goals on their all-time lists.
And he will hope to add to those totals at this summer‘s tournament.
