James Rodriguez takes aim at Rafa Benitez as he opens up on transfer exit from ‘spectacular’ Everton

JAMES RODRIGUEZ has lashed out at Everton’s former boss Rafa Benitez whilst speaking about his exit from the club.

But he had much kinder words for his ex-club whom he labelled “spectacular”, during his recollection of his time on Merseyside.

Rodriguez took aim at former Everton boss Benitez while praising his former sideCredit: Getty

The Colombian blamed Benitez’s lack of faith in him for his exit from the clubCredit: PA

The 30-year-old left the Toffees last September to join Qatari club Al Rayyan after just one year at Goodison Park.

His time with Everton was plagued with injuries and he only managed to make 26 appearances – scoring a measly six times and providing just nine assists in all competitions.

And when Benitez became Everton’s boss last summer, it soon became clear he had no intention of incorporating the Colombian into his plans.

The attacking midfielder was clearly affected after being shunned by Benitez, and he quickly became disillusioned with life at the club.

Tensions got so bad between the pair that Rodriguez sparked fury amongst the club’s faithful when revealed he didn’t even know who his team’s next opponents were at the start of the season.

And now, the former Real Madrid wizard has made it clear that he wanted to remain at Everton but Benitez had no faith in his ability – giving him no choice but to leave.

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He said, shared by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter: “I would have liked to have been at Everton for much longer.

“It’s a spectacular club, the fans are incredible, but I ran into a coach who didn’t want to count on me. I wanted to be there.

“Unfortunately, the coach didn’t want to count on me”.

Rodriguez’s endearment towards Everton may open the door for a shock return to the club at a latter stage in his career.

He’s seems to have rediscovered his form with Al Rayyan – scoring three and setting up four goals in ten games since his move.

Plus, he won’t have to contend with his nemesis Benitez – who was sacked as Everton boss with a brutal 40-word statement after just 19 games in charge – if he does return one day.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

James Rodriguez takes aim at Rafa Benitez as he opens up on transfer exit from ‘spectacular’ Everton

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