James Rodriguez has taken to Instagram to thank Everton fans after leaving the Toffees for Al-Rayyan on Wednesday. The Colombian ended the speculation over his long-term future at the club by signing with the Qatari side after missing all of Everton’s fixtures so far this season. Everton wanted to use Rodriguez as a makeweight in a deal to sign Porto winger Luis Diaz but were unable to reach an agreement with his former club. Instead, Rodriguez joins Al-Rayyan for an undisclosed fee. His exit means Everton fans never watched Rodriguez in the flesh at Goodison Park and the former Real Madrid winger expressed his regret with a message to supporters on Instagram.
James Rodriguez said: “I want to thank my teammates, who welcomed me well, I wish them the best and I also want to thank Everton fans. A pity not to have played in Goodison Park with you, it would have been very nice. I always tried to give my best and I always wanted to win , that is my mentality. I wish you all the best. JR10.”
Rodriguez exit means Everton have shifted a significant amount from their wage bill which opens up the possibility for signings in January. Former Tottenham defender Serge Aurier remains a free agent and could still be signed despite the transfer window closing.
