Former Premier League star, 35, makes shock retirement decision just days after signing for new club on free transfer

JAMES RODRIGUEZ has retired from Colombia duty after 15 years playing for his national team. The former Everton and Real Madrid star, 35, made his debut for Los Cafeteros in 2011 against Bolivia. James Rodriguez has called time on his Colombia career after 15 years Credit: AP The ex-Everton and Real Madrid star picked up 131 caps after emerging at the 2014 World Cup Credit: Getty Images – Getty He went on to collect 131 caps and his last match came during their penalty shootout defeat to Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup. Rodriguez became a cult figure in Colombia after starring for the team at the 2014 World Cup, where he was the tournament’s top scorer. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But he has now called time on his international career and called it “one of the great honours of my life”. He said: “The moment has come. Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear, and every dream we shared together. “Representing the Colombian national team was one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you, Colombia, and forever.” Rodriguez scored a total of 31 goals for Colombia overall and played at three World Cups. The playmaker is heading towards the end of his career after joining his eighth club in the last six years. Rodriguez has returned to Colombia for the first time since leaving the country as a teenager to sign for Atletico Nacional. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Rodriguez recently returned to Colombia by joining Atletico Nacional Credit: AFP Rodriguez was one of the world’s most exciting players when he joined Real Madrid in 2014 Credit: PA:Press Association In their announcement, Atletico said: “This isn’t an announcement. It is a labor of love for this team. “It is the work of many people, day in and day out, done quietly to ensure Nacional grows ever greater. “When a club works for the sake of the club, greatness isn’t just a discussion – it is a consequence. “They trusted. They believed. It was inevitable. James Rodriguez is Atlético Nacional. The greatest of the greatest.” Previously he was playing for MLS side Minnesota United but only played eight games. He has also had spells with Qatar side Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, Sao Paulo, Rayo Vallecano and Mexican side Leon since leaving Everton in 2021. Comment now