James Rodriguez says he has no intention of retiring after representing Colombia at this summer's World Cup. Reports had said that the veteran midfielder would call it quits after the upcoming tournament, but Rodriguez, who started the MLS season with Minnesota United on a short-term deal, says he expects to play on.
Rodriguez signed a short-term deal with the Loons ahead of the MLS season, but has had limited opportunities to feature for the club in the lead-up to the World Cup. The deal was always made with one eye on the World Cup and, just a few weeks out from that tournament, reports emerged this weekend that the 34-year-old midfielder would end his career this summer.
Rodriguez himself denied those rumors after providing two assists in Minnesota's 2-2 draw with Austin FC.
"I don’t know who said that," he told Apple TV postmatch. "I think it was in Colombia to get views, to get likes. But I think they should inform themselves a bit more about all these things. The only person who will know how long I want to play, I think, is me.
"I’m going to say with plenty of time in advance, but right now I think I have a few more years. All those things they’re saying, I think are false. I think it’s bad for the whole country, for fans because they believe things that aren’t true, and for me, of course. I’ve never said that."
While Rodriguez's career seems set to continue, it remains to be seen where. His contract with Minnesota was only through the first half of the MLS season and the midfielder looks set to join up with Colombia's national team early to begin World Cup preparations.
"Next week, I’ll be with them," Rodriguez said. "Obviously, I want to think about what’s coming up. I'm at a certain age, and I have to think about everything that is coming, which I think will be good. Day to day, I train well. I take good care of my body, and if they give me 30, 40 minutes or the whole match, I have to be ready."
Apple TV and The Athletic reported that Rodriguez will play his final game with Minnesota United against the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday.
