Tino Aspirilla tells James Rodriguez to focus on playing career
Everton midfielder James Rodriguez recently took to social media to hint at a move to Atletico Madrid, and Tino Aspirilla wants him focused.
The Colombian international, 30, recently posted an image accompanied with the words “never stop believing” in Spanish, a phrase popularised by Atletico supporters.
Rodriguez has since taken to Twitch (via Marca) to claim the message in the post was just a coincidence and had nothing to do with wanting to move to the La Liga club.
Former Newcastle striker Aspirilla wants his fellow countryman to focus on his job as a footballer, though, instead of his frequent social media appearances.
The Magpies cult hero said on ESPN (via Sport): “He has to play well, train well, not ‘show off’ more, talk less and play more. It’s the only thing he has to do.
“James has to understand once and for all that this is the last one he’s going to have. Where else is he going to play next?
“He knows he has to be an intelligent boy and knows that, if he goes to Atlético de Madrid, it is the last chance.”
What next?
Rodriguez is clearly not in Rafa Benitez’s plans at Goodison Park, but getting a buyer for him has been herculean so far.
Everton want him off their wage bill, but suitors are not willing to meet his personal demands.
We are likely to let him go for free, but that is not changing anything as not many clubs can afford to pay his wages.
Rodriguez missed the Premier League opener against Southampton as he was in isolation, and he is not expected to play against Leeds United this weekend.
We have a feeling the former Real Madrid man has already played his last game in the Toffees shirt.
He has been frequent on Twitch these days, regularly providing his Colombian fans with updates about his future and thoughts about various football subjects during the live streams.
With him not in Benitez’s plans, we do not think he is going to his social media chit-chats anytime soon.
Nobody exactly knows where he will be after the summer transfer window shuts, but Everton will be sincerely hoping they can find a solution to this issue very soon.
In other Everton news, Toffees star could join European giants, Liverpool will play major role.
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