Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez has said he would like to play for his native Colombia in the Copa America and the Rio Olympics.
Out of favor Real Madrid midfielder, James Rodriguez, might have a busy summer. With the Copa America taking place in the U.S. and the Olympics in Rio, Rodriguez has stated that he would like to play for Columbia in both tournaments this summer.
With the tournament preparing for its 100th year and the Olympics close to home for him, Rodriguez would like to feature for the Columbia side, but said that it is not his decision.
“I am open to everything. I haven’t spoken about it but I want to play Copa America and I am open to also playing in the Olympics,” said Rodriguez to ESPN.
“That is not my decision. But I am open to it. And I will wait to see what I am told.”
The 24-year-old even mentioned that he wants to help his country qualify for the World Cup in 2018, considering they sit fifth in the standings with 12 games remaining.
The same problem with playing for both tournaments relates to what Barcelona and Brazil star Neymar went through a couple months ago. The forward wanted to play in both tournaments, but decided that he will play in the Olympics in his home country, and skip the Copa America’s.
Things could be different for Rodriguez, since he has been under used by current Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane and reports have linked him to Manchester City and Arsenal this summer. The Columbian has featured in 25 matches for Real Madrid so far this season, scoring seven goals. However, he is reportedly growing tired of not being a mainstay in the lineup and could move somewhere else.
Reports from England said that Rodriguez has put his Madrid home on the market, hoping to rent it out and move to England.
With the hopes of featuring in two international tournaments and a possibility that his club could allow him to move to another team, James Rodriguez could be set for a busy summer.
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