James Rodríguez is in Qatar. It seems obvious to say it but so much is said about him, his free time, his whereabouts, his destinations, that it is worth explaining that he is where he belongs.
In his latest publications on social networks, he has allowed himself to be seen training, following Al-Rayyan’s instructions during this time of pause in the local league, strolling through Doha, letting time pass while the competition returns, which should happen next 20 from December.
But even then you will have to wait a little longer. All on account of that October 30, when he lost his head in the 2-1 defeat against Al Arabi and was expelled. There would be two punishment dates, a lesser penalty considering the seriousness of his reaction, of which he already served one, in the defeat against Al Gharafa (2-0).
The tournament for Al-Rayyan will resume on December 21, in the visit to Qatar SC, date on which he must finish serving the sanction. In theory, his first game would be against Al Shamal, on December 26. That means that he would complete 40 days without competition, which is not desirable for anyone, especially for the Colombian National Team. How different would it be if he continued in the Premier League, if he had achieved the interest of some other major league, how different would it be if … but not even crying is good …
But then, why did Al-Rayyan have a match schedule in recent days and does not have the Colombian? Simple. The club’s commitments are for the Qatar Cup, where the Colombian could play, but if he was registered. He is not, because when he arrived the list of foreigners (4) was already complete and there was no way to count on him. It came off the schedule, remember, when the important markets had already closed … at the last minute.
Which is in Qatar, yes. That he stays there, well, because he has a contract until June 2024 and any change of residence will have to go through a negotiation with Al-Rayyan, surely not before the next summer market. The concern now is that such a long pause will not take its toll on him in physical terms. January 27 must be available for your country. That is worth all the sacrifices.
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