São Paulo director leaves James Rodríguez’s future at the club open

Before the match between Athletico-PR and São Paulo, this Wednesday (3), at Ligga Arena, for the 14th round, football director Carlos Belmonte left James Rodríguez’s future at the club open. The number 10 has been a highlight of the Copa América with the Colombian National Team.

“James is a player who has never given us any problems whenever he has been with us. He does everything he has to do, he does everything he has to do. It’s more about adapting to Brazilian football, which is not so easy. Brazilian football today is focused on intensity, and James has struggled a bit with that here. But there is still a possibility, if he comes back, that Zubeldía will use him again ,” he told CazeTV.

Star in Colombia, frustration at SPFC

The 32-year-old athlete arrived at São Paulo in July last year surrounded by expectations. Almost a year later, the reality at the São Paulo club is one of frustration, little use and controversy. James played 22 games for São Paulo, scoring two goals and assisting four others.

“He has had a very good Copa América, perhaps one of the main players in the Copa América. He has a contract with us. Obviously, it is very different for him to play for the Colombian national team and for São Paulo. In Colombia, to make a comparison, he is practically the Pelé of Colombian football. In Colombia, the whole team is based around James. In Brazilian football, it is a little different,” he added.

“Here he has to fit in with the team. And that is our main concern. After the Copa América, if he has an offer to leave that suits us, and obviously, whether or not to include James is always the coach’s decision. In the case of Zubeldía now, as it was with Dorival and Carpini, we don’t get involved in those issues,” he concluded.