James Rodriguez aims dig at Rafa Benitez and points to ‘special’ Everton connection

The playmaker spent a year with the Blues after being signed by Carlo Ancelotti

James Rodriguez said Everton carry a special place in his heart and that he had thought about returning in the years since he left.

The playmaker spent just over a year at the Blues, making a stunning initial impression after Carlo Ancelotti signed him from Real Madrid.

But his impact faded amid injury issues in a stint hit by the Covid pandemic and the arrival of Rafa Benitez was soon followed by his departure to Qatar in September 2021.

Rodriguez, a two-time Champions League winner, scored six goals and provided nine assists across 26 games in Royal Blue – none of which were in front of supporters.

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He reflected on his time at Goodison Park in an interview with Blues supporter Roger Bennett on the football show Men In Blazersaiming a dig at the changes Benitez made to the team after Ancelotti returned to the Bernabeu but stressing he felt a connection with Everton fans.

The Colombia international, now aged 34, said: “I think at Everton I… had a good season, I think the fans and the supporters know that it was a short time but it was very intense. I think there was a connection between them and me.

“Also, I feel l could have stayed much longer but the coach who came after changed the whole team and I don’t think he managed it well. But anyway I am an Everton fan who always wants the club to succeed and, to the Everton fans, just know that my feelings for you are special and I carry you in my heart.”

Rodriguez was told of the links to a reunion that had circulated in the years since and suggested he would like to visit the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

He said: “That is something I have thought about too (returning to Everton), during the pandemic they didn’t really get to see me, the fans couldn’t go to the stadium but maybe one day, maybe sometime I will go to the new stadium.

“I’ll go with the fans, I’ll say hello so that they can see me because I also wanted to see them, to be able to be with them on the field but maybe one day I’ll go to the new stadium and say hello… the last dance.”

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