MADRID —
James Rodríguez returns to Spanish football.
The Colombian midfielder completed his signing with Rayo Vallecano on Monday after a summer in which he reaped the rewards of being the best player in the last Copa América.
The Madrid club announced on Monday the acquisition of the 33-year-old midfielder. After having terminated his contract with Brazilian club Sao Paulo, James opted to play in the Spanish capital, amid reports that he was exploring offers from Saudi Arabia and the United States.
“I feel a great joy to join a club like Rayo, which is historic,” James said in an interview broadcast on the social media of a team that is celebrating the centenary of its foundation. “I really want to do things well. Wherever I go, I feel that responsibility. I like to win. Also, in such an important year for the club.”
James returns to La Liga after leaving Real Madrid in 2020 for English club Everton.
His first spell in Spain came after he made his breakthrough with the Colombian national team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, signing for Madrid for 75 million euros from Monaco. He won the Champions League twice during his time with the Merengues.
He joins Rayo Vallecano after having played last season in Sao Paulo, where he scored one goal and provided two assists in 14 games.
But he resurfaced at the Copa America. He was named the best player of the continental tournament after scoring one goal and providing six assists as Colombia reached the final, which they lost to Argentina.
Rayo is the eleventh team in James’ career, who made his debut with Envigado in his country. He also spent two seasons on loan with Bayern Munich.
James will follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Radamel Falcao at Rayo, where he played between 2021-24.
“Falcao is an idol for all of Colombia, he has done a lot for our country. I hope to perform well here like he did,” James said.
His debut with Rayo could take place on Tuesday, with the match against Barcelona at the Estadio Municipal de Vallecas.
Rayo debuted with a 2-1 away win against Real Sociedad and then drew 0-0 away to Getafe.
“I always have this responsibility wherever I go. I like to win and I hope to do things well in this important year for this beautiful club,” said James.
