Yerry Mina has pleaded with James Rodriguez to stay at Everton this summer so the Colombian pair can “make history” together.
Less than a year after arriving at the Blues having been signed by Carlo Ancelotti for the third time in his career, James is understood to be deemed surplus to requirements for new manager Rafa Benitez and available to leave Goodison Park should a suitable offer be submitted.
However, Mina, his team-mate with both club and country, has urged him to stay.
Sport Witness cite Futbol Red as quoting Mina telling James’ Twitch channel: “I want you to stay here ( Everton ); we are going to make history here and in the national team. We are going all out.”
However, the same article states that the defender’s words were met with a non-committal response from the midfielder.
They say James replied: “We are at a club that is not the best, but you can compete with anyone.
“Football changes a lot; look at Messi; he is now at PSG.
“Physically, I’m fine; I haven’t felt like this for months. I want to have a good season whether it’s here or wherever, football takes many turns.”
Mina, who has also been linked with a potential Everton exit, then addressed his own future but claims to have not discussed it much with Benitez despite their shared mother tongue.
He said: “I’m motivated because new challenges are coming, new goals, working and hoping that this season will be full of success and victory and that we can qualify for the Champions League or Europa League.
“I have spoken very little with the coach, I hope to have a good relationship and meet the club’s objectives.”
