James Rodriguez has revealed that his spell in Qatar quickly turned into a nightmare when he moved to the country two years ago.
Rodriguez, who played for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich after winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, joined Qatari side Al-Rayyan SC in 2021 after a brief stay at Everton.
But he would last just 12 months in the Middle East nation before leaving, and he has now explained why.
The 32-year-old opened up on two different scenarios involving showering and eating that left him bewildered and struggling to feel at home.
'Life and culture in Qatar are very difficult, it was a country where it was difficult to adapt,' Rodriguez said on the Brazilian TV channel Globo.
'You know that in football everyone is naked when they shower, but my teammates told me: "You can't do it like that". I was afraid.'
He added: 'Everyone there eats with their hands, which was difficult for me. They shared it with me and 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".
The Colombian playmaker was also told that he should eat with his right hand rather than his left for personal hygiene reasons. Once again, this left him feeling uncomfortable and he asked for cutlery instead.
Having encountered these issues, Rodriguez decided to move on to Greek side Olympiacos in September 2022.
Rodriguez's revelations come just a year after Qatar hosted the men's World Cup, with Argentina beating France on penalties in the final.
Qatar were the first team knocked out of the tournament and they proved to be unpopular hosts amid rows over rainbow flags and attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community, while concerns were also raised over the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums for the four-week event.
Rodriguez has since returned to South America to play for Sao Paulo in Brazil.
He scored just once in 12 Serie A appearances in 2023, and admitted the league has shocked him due to the physicality of the teams.
'I thought the football here would be less physical, but it is very physical. The game is often stopped because of fouls and there are a lot of collisions,' he said.
'I thought it would be more technical. There are players with a lot of quality, but the game is very hard.'
keuadeklmy
716
how can you take a shower infront of your teamates while naked,you are not an animal man you are a human being.
heaceipsty
574
Poorly written article.. I am sure that the reason for him leaving is simply because he couldn’t adapt to the Arabic culture, not because there is something wrong with Arabic culture. Some people just aren’t able to adapt to different cultures… that’s all. Nothing else
raddksuz
488
Who says eating with your hands is Islam culture? Don't confuse his culture observations being different from the Qatari culture as Islam, that is stupidly bringing a religion where it does not fit and you open up a surreptitious way for idiotic religious fanatics from other religions to pour evil comments on Islam. I'm not a Muslim and find it inappropriate when i read religious negative comments on a platform which is supposed to be purely for football related comments, when you disrespect another person's religion you will never reconcile or even attempt to make up. Rodriguez should have taken time to find out about the Qatari culture and how much it is socially woven into the everyday life of ordinary citizens in every professional field, it is not just concentration on the net amount indicated in the contract. There's always life away from playing football, how do you fit in individually or with your family.
AFaixal
411
And CR7 is a top scorer in 2023, playing in the middle east without problem.. It is not a place that turn people to GOAT, but the dedication and attitude did.
Cruiseking
325
He sounds like a lazy liar 🤥
Mangisha
289
It's funny reading this. Bcos us (most Africans) eat with our hands, more with our hands less with cutlery. As for bathing, it's what you prefer. Of course most of us prefer our clothes (such as an underwear) on especially when bathing in public. Different cultures I guess. Qatar seems like an African culture.
Emmy619
278
Nothing Ruined a Footballer Career Faster than Laziness & Injuries
Mauritius1684510
268
Well mate, you should have had a holiday there to check the place first before moving, while in Rome do as the Roman is the saying. Eating with your fingers is best way historically and more enjoyable food. Cheers 🍻 x🍻