Leeds United forward Rodrigo was lambasted by the Spanish press after his first international appearance in more than 18 months. The 32-year-old was handed a start in Spain's Nations League semi-final against Italy on Thursday night.
It was his first appearance for La Roja since coming on as a substitute in a World Cup qualifier in November 2021. But sadly his comeback was brief, lasting just 45 minutes as he was hooked at the break during the game in Enschede, Netherlands.
The Whites' man was replaced at half-time by Marco Asensio with the Spaniards sealing a 2-1 win to set up a final clash against Croatia. Rodrigo was criticised by media in his homeland. Spanish newspaper AS said of his performance: "He was not fresh nor did he make the best decisions in attack. He shot loosely in an action that had better options in more correct positioning. As he was predictable, he was substituted at half time."
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Luis de la Fuente's side came went in front early doors when Yeremy Pino fired them in front. Ciro Immobile equalised for Italy with a penalty shortly after.
The Spanish then won it in the 88th minute when former Stoke and Newcastle man Joselu pounced from a few yards out.
As for Rodrigo, he is under contract at Elland Road for another year and despite being linked with a move away following the club's relegation from the Premier League he is unsure of where his future lies.
He said: "I don’t know what’s going to happen honestly. But I have a contract with Leeds and that has to be respected. I live in the real world, I have Instagram and friends who read the newspapers. I can’t tell you much beyond what we all know because I don’t know."
