Faustino Asprilla has now revealed why a summer transfer away from Everton for James Rodriguez fell through.
The Lowdown: Rodriguez rumours
There were a number of reports over the course of the window linking Rodriguez with a move away from Goodison Park.
The former Real Madrid star is yet to play a game for the Merseyside club so far this season (Transfermarkt), further adding to speculation that he may be close to the exit door.
The Latest: Asprilla on Rodriguez
Speaking to ESPN’s Equipo F (via Sport Witness), former Newcastle United and Colombia ace Asprilla has now revealed that an agent told him that no teams in Italy wanted to sign Rodriguez because of ‘problems’ talking on his Twitch channel:
“During the (World Cup) qualifiers, in Barranquilla I met an agent. We met in a restaurant. He speaks very good Spanish, he is Italian, he works with the people of Manchester.
“He told me a story that James, right now in this market, was offered to all the teams in Italy and nobody wanted to take him because of the problems of talking on Twitch. They were even being offered half the salary.”
The Verdict: Relief
It is certainly a relief for Rafa Benitez’s team that they have been able to keep hold of Rodriguez in the end, as he could turn out to be a very important player for them over the course of the rest of the campaign.
The attacking midfield player scored six goals and made a further nine assists in 26 games in total over all competitions last term (Transfermarkt), and is still a creative force that could be very useful to the Toffees.
Nonetheless, given restrictions last season with fans in stadiums, the Blues faithful will want to finally see him play in the flesh, and now there is an opportunity to do that.
In other news, find out what injury news has Evertonians fuming here!
