James Rodriguez Officially Joins Olympiacos, Playing Together Again With Marcelo

JAKARTA - Former Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodríguez has officially joined Olympiakos. The Greek club announced the deal on Thursday, September 15 local time.

James moved from Qatari club Al-Rayyan and signed a one-year contract agreement with the option of a 12-month extension.

"This is a new chapter in my life and I am very happy about this move. It was a difficult decision, but a good decision," Rodriguez said.

Olympiacos is the fifth club to be played for this 31-year-old since scoring six goals for Colombia's national team in Brazil's 2014 World Cup.

However, his career at the club often failed to match his success with the national team.

His 11-year journey at major European clubs ended in 2021 when a unsatisfactory performance in the Premier League with Everton.

James will be reunited with his former Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo. The Brazilian earlier signed a contract with Olympiakos earlier this month.

After the announcement, these two players together immediately supported their new team competing in the Europa League against Freiburg at the Giorgos Karaiskaks Stadium in Piraeus, Thursday night. They were greeted by approximately 35 thousand fans.

Just before the game started James Rodriguez had time to show off the Olympiakos jersey with the number 10 shirt he would wear to the crowd.

The crowd shouted, "He's here. He's here!" and "James Rodríguez!"

Olympiacos, who have failed to reach the Champions League this season, are in third place in the Greek league with eight points. They are four points behind leaders of the Panathinaikos standings.