James Rodríguez last made an appearance for Everton back in May and played the full 90 minutes in his side’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in April.
The 30-year-old was linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the summer, after Rafael Benítez was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.
He couldn’t get a transfer, and last week the attacking midfielder insisted he’s fit and ready to feature for the Toffees. Benítez, on the other hand, has urged him to ‘show his commitment and desire’ towards the Merseyside club.
Rodríguez was also out of Colombia’s squad for September’s international break.
His compatriot and former Newcastle United star, Faustino Asprilla, has revealed several clubs in Italy decided against signing the former Real Madrid star due to his off-field issues.
“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,” Asprilla told ESPN’s Equipo F, relayed by Futbol Red.
“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.
“He is a very important agent, and without me asking him, told me that. Nobody received him and he is the top player of a World Cup.”
AC Milan were heavily linked with the South American, who has less than 12 months left on his contract. According to Asprilla, the Rossoneri didn’t ask for Rodríguez, instead, he they were offered an opportunity to sign him in the last window.
“When a footballer makes a name, in Europe they respect that a lot and it’s easy to get you,” he explained.
“What worries is that they have to call to raffle James for all the teams and no one chooses him. Normally they would have to fight over it.”
