Life in Qatar: A Culture Shock for Rodriguez

Former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton star James Rodriguez has revealed the challenges he faced while playing football in Qatar. Rodriguez joined Qatar Stars League outfit Al-Rayyan in 2021 but terminated his contract after just 16 appearances. Speaking to Brazilian TV outlet Globo, the 32-year-old opened up about the difficulties of adapting to life in Qatar, describing it as vastly different from what he was used to and leaving him feeling "afraid."

Shower Etiquette and Cultural Differences

One of the aspects that Rodriguez struggled with was the cultural differences surrounding showering. In football, it is common for players to shower together, but Rodriguez's teammates informed him that it was not the norm in Qatar. This left him feeling unsure and cautious. Additionally, Rodriguez mentioned the challenges he faced with eating customs. In Qatar, it is common to eat with one's hands, a practice that Rodriguez found difficult to embrace. He requested cutlery, only to be told that eating with hands was the norm. This cultural difference further contributed to his struggle in Qatar.

From Qatar to Greece: Rodriguez's Move to Olympiacos

In order to leave Al-Rayyan and overcome these challenges, Rodriguez decided to give up his reported £6 million per season salary and make a move to Greek giants Olympiacos. The Colombian international sought a fresh start in a different footballing environment.

Back to South America: Rodriguez's Current Club

After his stint in Qatar and subsequent move to Greece, Rodriguez now finds himself playing for Brazilian side Sao Paulo. This marks his return to South America, where he continues to showcase his skills on the pitch.

Overall, Rodriguez's time in Qatar was marked by cultural differences and a struggle to adapt. However, he has since moved on and is focused on his current footballing journey in Brazil.