Colombia delivered a shocking decision to not include James Rodriguez in the squad for Copa America due to fitness reasons. This left Colombia fans, Everton fans and Rodriguez’s supporters shell shocked and confused.
Rodriguez has had several injury issues in the past which has hampered his involvement in the Everton team. The Colombian just featured once in the last six Everton games as he was suffering from a calf problem. However, he was extremely close to full recovery and would’ve been fit for Copa America.
Carlo Ancelotti allowed James to leave for Colombia a day prior to Everton’s Man City game to complete his recovery and feature in the qualifiers before Copa America. However, in a drastic turn of events, Rodriguez has been omitted from the Colombia squad.
The 29 year old expressed shock and disappointment after being left out of the squad. Rodriguez released a statement following Colombia exclusion stating that he was in the final phase of the recovery and would be ready for the national team duty.
Everton star James Rodriguez was left disappointed
"I want to express my thoughts and feelings regarding the decision made by the coaching staff of the Colombian team for the upcoming knockout dates and Copa America. I come from a recovery that is in its final part. In which I took enough time to fully integrate myself to the practice of soccer and in this way not affect my participation in the next commitments of our Selection.With surprise I receive the statement from the main technical body stating that they do not count on me and wishing me a full recovery. Recovery that I already made and in which I have sacrificed a lot. The above filled me with deep disappointment because for me it means playing for my country.Not receiving the trust from the technical body breaks with everything and causes me enormous pain, since for the shirt of the Colombia team I have always left even my life.” (via Liverpool ECHO)"
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Now, Colombia manager Reinaldo Rueda has explained the reason for James snub. Reuda acknowledged James’ statement and deemed it normal for the player to feel this way in pain of the moment. The 64 year old manager suggested Rodriguez find top-level fitness again.
"Prior to the Federation’s statement I met with James by telephone for the results of the exams and to review the information exchanged by the doctor of the Colombian national team and Everton regarding the present of James.We know the importance it has for the national team and our immediate future of the next 10 games that are coming as I explained to James. I considered myself and it was the conclusion I reached after evaluating all the situations that have arisen in this semester and this last quarter.That is why I told James I made the decision to disengage him from selection for him to make his recovery accordingly, with the corresponding terms and prudent times, so he can enjoy a full pre-season with his club and we can have him in the next few squads. (via Liverpool ECHO)"
Meanwhile, Copa America is now shifted to Brazil and will begin from June 13. Colombia is grouped with Brazil, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador. James Rodriguez is expected to be back at Finch Farm on 5th July and will be ready for pre-season with the Toffees.
Has Colombia been harsh with James Rodriguez?