PETALING JAYA: Former Real Madrid star Jesse Rodriguez (pic) has made an instant impact for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
The 31-year-old scored in his debut for the Southern Tigers in their whopping 8-0 win over Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa in a friendly match yesterday.
Rodriguez took the field in the second half at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and put the cherry on the cake with the last goal of the match in the 83rd minute.
JDT’s other goals were scored by Bergson da Silva (fourth, 18th and 63rd minutes), Oscar Arribas (10th), Heberty Fernandes (46th and 58th) and Gabriel Nistelrooy (81st).
Rodriguez, a two-time Champions League winner who has played alongside Ronaldo at Real, expressed his happiness on his Instagram later, saying he was pleased to be playing football again.
“Happy for the team’s victory and many thanks to the great fans for their affection and welcome,” said the Spaniard, who also extended his gratitude to JDT owner, the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, as well as his teammates and the fans.
“I thank the boss and his team for helping me feel like a footballer again, and even for helping me find the goal again today. We have a very nice path to take together. Let’s go team,” posted the 31-year-old.
Besides Real Madrid, Rodriguez had also played for Paris St Germain, Sampdoria, Stoke City and Real Betis. JDT are his 10th team.
Rodriguez, who has played as a winger and centreforward, was reported to have been without a club after leaving Brazilian side Coritiba in January.
JDT announced the signing of Rodriguez last week, joining other Spaniards on the roster like Jordi Amat (the captain), Oscar Arribas, Natxo Insa and Juan Muñiz.
The Southern Tigers are preparing for their Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) match against Gwangju in South Korea on Oct 22.
