On the face of it, Cristian Rodriguez has had a stellar career, the type many could only dream of.
The 32-year-old wide man has won the league title with his home club Penarol, the French Cup with PSG, three league titles and the UEFA Cup with Porto, not to mention the La Liga title he won in Spain with Atletico Madrid.
But for a Uruguayan international, that isn’t always what defines you in your homeland. The tiny South American nation are extremely proud when it comes to their national side and Rodriguez knows this will be his last World Cup for La Celeste.
Despite having more than 100 caps to his name and a 2011 Copa America medal there is still a sense that the man known as ‘the onion’ (a nickname he inherited from his father) still owes his national team something.
Whilst Uruguay are well-known for stretching the rules of fair play on the international stage and having recently had the world spotlight thrust upon them for Luis Suarez’s many misdemeanours at World Cup finals, Rodriguez has had more than his fair share of controversies.
The controversy surrounding the fiery winger during his playing days in Uruguay when, supposedly injured, he was caught on camera in the stands celebrating wildly with fellow fans. He swiftly left for Europe.
After struggling to make his name in France with PSG he moved to Portugal where his career took off with Porto. Still never far from controversy, he was fined €45,000 having assaulted two stewards in the tunnel following a 1-0 derby defeat to rivals Benfica.
Being one of only five players to have put on the Uruguay jersey 100 times, Cebolla brings a lot of experience to the squad.
For Peńarol, Rodríguez mostly operates in a doble cinco but with Uruguay his position remains left midfielder.
But worse was to come for Rodriguez, particularly on the national stage. Having excelled for his team during qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa the volatile side of him erupted during a defeat to rivals Argentina. After exchanging words with former Manchester United defender Gabrile Heinze, Rodriguez lashed out punching Heinze.
The result was a four match international ban, effectively ending his World Cup hopes, with Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez opting to leave him at home for the tournament.
Redemption was swift however, with Rodriguez recalled to the Uruguay side for the 2011 Copa America, in which they were triumphant, beating Paraguay 3-0 in the final.
Now with many of his fellow team mates knowing it will be their last chance to shine at a World Cup, Rodriguez will be all too aware how important it will be for him to keep his head.
He has too often been the scapegoat and he deserves the chance to go out on a high, recognised as the excellent player he has been for both club and country.
