Forgotten Premier League flop James Rodriguez was left ‘afraid’ by two Qatari traditions after lucrative transfer

JAMES RODRIGUEZ has opened up on some of the things he struggled with during his time playing football in Qatar.

The former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Everton star spent just one season with Qatar Stars League outfit Al-Rayyan.

GettyJames Rodriguez only made 16 appearances for Al-Rayyan[/caption]

Rodriguez joined the club in 2021 after his spell on Merseyside with the Toffees came to an end.

But after just 16 games for Al-Rayyan he terminated his contract and moved on to Greek giants Olympiacos.

Now the 32-year-old has opened up on some of the reasons that he struggled to fit in while playing in Qatar.

Speaking to Brazilian TV outlet Globo, Rodriguez revealed that life in general was vastly different to what he was used to and it left him “afraid”.

He said: “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 told me: ‘You can’t do it like that’. I was afraid.”

He went on to add: “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’.”

Rodriguez gave up his reported £6million per season salary at the Qatari club in order to force his move away to Olympiacos.

Now the Colombia International plies his trade back in South America with Brazilian side Sao Paulo.