James Rodriguez Reveals ‘Crazy’ Cultural Challenges During Nightmare Qatar Spell

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James Rodriguez has shared the challenges he faced in adjusting to Qatari culture during his challenging one-year tenure at Al-Rayyan.

Following his departure from Everton in 2021, the Colombian forward moved to the Gulf but struggled to make a notable impact in the Qatar Stars League.

With minimal appearances and just four goals, Rodriguez left for Olympiacos after a year. Looking back, he attributes his underwhelming performances to the challenges he encountered while adapting to life in Qatar.

In a conversation with Brazilian TV station Globo (as reported by Daily Mail), Rodriguez shared, ‘Life and culture in Qatar are very difficult, it was a country where it was difficult to adapt. You know that in football everyone is naked when they shower, but my teammates said: ‘You can’t do it like that’. I was afraid. In Qatar they eat with their hands, which was difficult for me. I said, ‘No thanks’. I asked for cutlery and they told me: “No, with your hand” and I replied: ‘You guys are crazy, I won’t eat with my hand.'”

Rodriguez’s underwhelming performances in Qatar were unexpected, especially considering his previous form in the Premier League.

Injuries and the arrival of Rafa Benitez at Goodison Park marked the end of his time at Everton. His subsequent transfer to Olympiakos in Greece followed a familiar pattern, with a promising start fading to the extent that his contract was mutually terminated.

The ex-Real Madrid and Bayern Munich standout has returned to the familiar landscape of South America, joining Brazilian powerhouse Sao Paulo.

He aims to contribute to elevating the team’s performance after a disappointing mid-table finish in the previous league season. The upcoming league restart in April presents an opportunity for Rodriguez to make a positive impact.

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