James Rodriguez rules out likely escape route but plunges Everton future into doubt
James Rodriguez has cast further doubt on his Everton future but has closed the door on yet another reunion with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Rodriguez was a statement signing for Everton last year, when they brought him in from Madrid. They had Ancelotti to thank for the transfer, with the coach uniting with the attacking midfielder at a third different club. Following the Italian’s departure, though, doubts have arisen about Rodriguez’s future.
The Colombia international is under contract for one more year, but there has been speculation that he can leave this summer. Among the options speculated has been a return to Madrid, by which he would follow Ancelotti yet again.
New Everton boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that Rodriguez’s quality is not up for question, despite refusing to talk about him as an individual at his introductory press conference. Even so, rumours persist that the playmaker does not want to work under Benitez next season and he could be on the lookout for a new club.
Now, Rodriguez has revealed he is still in the dark about where he will be playing next season.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said on Twitch, as transcribed by the Liverpool Echo.
“I don’t know, I don’t know where I’m going to play. You know that in football and in life you don’t know anything but all I know is that I’ve been training hard, preparing well, training for myself and that’s it.
“It’s complicated. Wherever I’m wanted. Someone has to be at a place they’re wanted.”
Even though Ancelotti may want him back at Madrid, Rodriguez has seemingly ruled out such a solution.
Answering a question, he said: “Are you going back to Real Madrid? No, I don’t think so.
“That is a closed cycle which I won’t repeat.”
Benitez likes what he sees in midfield target
Meanwhile, reports in the Portuguese media claim Everton have revived their interest in Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes, who may be available this summer.
Last weekend, A Bola suggested that any suitor will need to pay €18m for his signature. The Toffees have been linked since June, although Wolves are also in the mix.
The 22-year-old has been with Sporting for two seasons. Having enjoyed 10 league outings in his first campaign, Nunes made 31 appearances last term.
Record claim Everton “continue to follow the midfielder” and add that “talks could be resumed” as Benitez “liked what he saw and heard” about the South American.
It has also been claimed that Benitez’s arrival has only “delayed the situation” as the Toffees “remain well attentive”.
READ MORE: Carlo Ancelotti pushes cut-price Real Madrid man to old club Everton as Arsenal back off
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