James Rodriguez: Ball in Benitez court, I am ready to play

 

Everton midfielder James Rodriguez has said that he is “ready” to play if Rafa Benitez selects him for the Toffees’ match against Burnley on Monday evening.

The 30-year-old was free to leave Merseyside this summer but didn’t get a move away from the Premier League club.

His situation is a strange one, with the player himself admitting he did not have a clue what was going on in regards to his future.

However, it appears that there is a slim chance he could feature on Monday.

Addressing his fans on Twitch, Rodriguez said [via AS]: “I’ve been coming in for a couple of days now, I had four days off.

“I’m preparing myself in case I have to play, I’m ready to do well if I have to play. I’m getting in good shape physically, I’m fine. I’m calm.

“Everton play on Monday, if they want to take me I’m ready, I’m looking forward to playing if it’s my turn.

“I’m very happy because the Everton fans have shown me a lot of affection, if I get to play I’ll play well as always.”

Despite James’ eagerness to play, Benitez kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the Colombia midfielder’s potential inclusion against Burnley: “He’s training with the team,” he said.

“Obviously we have been talking about his future and we had some clubs interested. He still is here, he’s training with the rest of his teammates.

READ ALSOEverton coach Banitez pushes me to the limit, says ​Iwobi

“Match fitness means that he has to play games, and he has to play games in a row. So, at the moment, I think that he’s a little bit behind the others.

“The team is doing well, the players understand what we want to do. He has to understand that.

“Then we have to try to bring the best from each player, in this case he has to adapt to the team and we will try to get the best from everyone.”