Emiliano Rigoni reveals chat with ex-São Paulo star James Rodríguez | OneFootball

Emiliano Rigoni was introduced by São Paulo this Thursday at the SuperCT. The Argentine revealed that he spoke with Colombian James Rodríguez, his teammate at León, Mexico, before signing with the Tricolor.

“With James, I had the opportunity to spend time with him in Mexico for a few months, and we always spoke very highly of São Paulo. He always spoke very well of the club. He is an excellent professional, and we had a very good relationship. We always talked about how beautiful it is to be here. I was lucky enough to be able to return, and now I am very happy,” Emiliano Rigoni.

Rigoni and James Rodríguez were signed by León at the beginning of 2025 and had previous stints at São Paulo. The Argentine forward played for the Tricolor between 2021 and 2022. In total, he played 70 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists.

The Colombian midfielder, on the other hand, played for the São Paulo team between July 2023 and August 2024. His stint was troubled, and he played only 22 games, scoring two goals and providing four assists.

Friendship with Calleri

Upon his return to São Paulo, Rigoni will reunite with his compatriot Jonathan Calleri. The two shared the locker room for ten months during the forward's first stint at the club.

“We have a very close and intimate relationship. During the years I was away, we always talked, always following the club. In recent days, with the possibility of returning, he was very happy, and we talked a lot. He was very important to me in the first stint, and I have a lot of affection for him. Meeting him again is very important,” Rigoni said.

However, due to a knee ligament injury in his left knee, suffered back in April, Calleri had to undergo surgery and still has no forecast for returning to the field.

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