In an exciting final decided by kicks from the penalty spot, São Paulo beat Palmeiras to be crowned champion of the 2024 Brazilian Super Cup, consolidating its supremacy in Brazilian football last year.
The match, characterized by its intensity and drama, took place in Belo Horizonte, but had a notable absence: that of Colombian James Rodríguez, who chose not to accompany his team in this crucial confrontation.
Rodríguez decided not to be present with his teammates for the title match due to a series of situations that have been arising with the directives and the coaching staff. What caused the coffee grower’s main annoyance was his non-call to the final, despite being in “good physical condition” so he then preferred to stay at home.
After the consecration of the São Paulo Tricolor, with the title, the club’s football director, Carlos Belmonte, spoke about James’ current status in the team and in his statements he made it clear that at any time the coffee grower can say goodbye to the team.
In his comments, Belmonte stated that if Rodríguez continues to show this type of “attitude” with the team, they are aware that at any moment he will get tired and look for the exit doors of the club and that they will let him go without any inconvenience:
“I’m happy for those who came, I can’t think about those who didn’t come. Those who were here won, they are happy. James is a good guy too. Just stay calm, have a conversation. If it doesn’t work, at some point it will go away. He has already helped us a lot, even without playing. He and Lucas affected the fans’ self-esteem. “Both were important.”
Subsequently, he provided details of the Colombian’s decision not to accompany the team and clarified that as managers they respect it, but he also emphasized that no player is going to be bigger than the club and that although everyone wants him to stay, If James does not make merit or show true commitment, they will not stop him on his way out:
“Obviously, I wish he was here. She asked not to be there and we respected that. We continue working so that he remains with us. I said it as in the case of Daniel Alves. Nobody is bigger than São Paulo. We work for São Paulo”
To conclude his comments, he acknowledged that the Cucuteño midfielder has been working on his physical fitness, but was direct when mentioning that he simply has not known how to adapt to the rhythm of Brazilian football:
“We take it completely naturally. James hasn’t had any problems since he arrived. He trains and works. But Brazilian football is more intense and he didn’t know how to adapt. He is a player from another shelf. Since he doesn’t play, he is not satisfied.”
Where is the future of James Rodríguez
Once again, as if it were a habit, the Colombian has had to start looking at new alternatives to continue with his professional career, after he failed to fit into the puzzle in São Paulo.
The 32-year-old midfielder has a contract with the Brazilian club until June 2025, so he must reach an agreement with the institution’s leadership to make him available in the transfer market and begin receiving offers for his services.
According to the European press, one of the teams interested in the Colombian’s services is Besiktas of Turkey, so James’ return to the old continent could be an option for him. With Infobae