Bogota, 16 September (H.S.):

Colombia’s star midfielder James Rodriguez announced his retirement from the national team on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on a 15-year international career. The 35-year-old Rodriguez decided to bid farewell to international football following the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in North America.

In a video posted on social media, Rodriguez said, “After so many years, matches, moments of joy and difficult periods, I feel that the time has come to close a chapter in my life — my journey with the Colombia national team. Wearing this jersey was a dream, but it was also an immense responsibility.”

Rodriguez made his international debut for Colombia in 2011 during a victory over Bolivia in La Paz. However, it was his outstanding performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup that brought him global recognition. He won the Golden Boot at the tournament and subsequently joined Spanish giants Real Madrid. During his time with Real Madrid, he won two La Liga titles. He also played for Bayern Munich and Everton.

He said, “I was fortunate enough to experience moments I had never imagined — World Cups, goals and unforgettable nights; victories that taught us to believe and defeats that made us stronger.”

Rodriguez added, “When I began my journey with the national team, my wish was that when the time came for me to move on, I would leave the team jersey in a stronger position than I had found it. Looking back, I believe I achieved that.”

He further said, “I had the honour of wearing the number 10 jersey and the captain’s armband. I tried to carry that responsibility with respect and with an understanding of what it meant to represent Colombia. I had good days as well as difficult ones, but I never stopped feeling proud of these colours.”

Over the past few years, Rodriguez moved between several clubs. He also played for Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano, Club Leon and Minnesota United. Before the start of the current season, he joined Colombian club Atletico Nacional.

Bidding farewell to his international career, Rodriguez said, “I am leaving with complete peace of mind because I know I gave everything I had. Thank you for every memory, every embrace and every moment.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar