Why is former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodríguez training in the Spanish capital?

James Rodríguez has been without a club for more than two weeks since leaving Olympiacos on 13 April. In that time, he has been linked to Brazilian Serie A side Botafogo, who have already made him an offer, and Turkish Süper Liga club Besiktas. Despite the rumours, however, the former Real Madrid playmaker still hasn’t made a decision on what the future holds.

James following tailored training program

In the meantime, the Colombian international has been following a tailored training program at the Condesa de Chinchón Municipal Sports Complex in Madrid, seemingly in order to ensure that is in top shape for when he does finally link up with his next club. On Saturday, James took time out from one session to post some images of his latest spell in the Spanish capital, his home for six years between 2014 and 2020 (not counting a two-year loan spell with Bayern Munich), on Instagram

“Not bad at all”, was the 31-year-old’s assessment of his new training set-up. Rodríguez had already shared images of him doing gym work at the same complex having had a short break from social media following his departure from Olympiacos.

Brazilians Botafogo to go back in for Rodríguez

After it was confirmed that James would no longer be continuing in Greece, Rio de Janeiro-based Botafogo went on a charm offensive to convince him to return to South America and even presented him with a formal propsal. However, the ex-Porto and Monaco star wasn’t prepared to accept the salary on offer.

Despite that, reports in Brazil claim Fogo haven’t yet given up hope and are set to try again. “John Textor (the owner of the club), who is handling the whole deal, has informed Rodriguez’s agents that he will make a second offer with improved financial terms. The American businessman knows that a positive outcome will be complicated, but even so, he will try one more time”, point out Brazilian sports newspaper Globo Esporte.

Europe remains James’ priority

Botafogo are not, however, the only interested party. Clubs from Turkey, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are all hoping to snap up the Colombian, although his priority is to continue playing in Europe.