Victor Rodriguez indicates he wants to return to Spain

Victor Rodriguez’s place in Seattle Sounders lore is now secure. His place on the 2020 roster, however, very much is not.

The Spanish midfielder is in the final year of his contract and although the Sounders have an option for 2020, he is apparently ready to explore the possibility of returning to his native country.

“I really want to face a new challenge,” Rodriguez told AS.com. “Soon I will start training to be ready, in case the possibility arises to start in January. I will wait a little, but hopefully the next challenge comes as soon as possible and in Spain. It would be ideal for me and my family. It is what the body asks of me. I feel like it and I hope I can get that opportunity out and enjoy Spanish football again.”

Losing Rodriguez would be a bit of a blow to the Sounders, who are already looking at the possibility of losing several veterans this offseason. Rodriguez struggled to overcome various injuries over the past two years, but was productive enough to average .63 goals+assists per 90 minutes with the Sounders. That included an MLS Cup MVP performance in what may prove to be his final appearance.

The move likely is only partially related to soccer, though. Rodriguez has openly missed his family, especially as his daughter, who was born shortly after he joined the Sounders, has battled sickness. At 30 years old, Rodriguez likely knows this might be the last chance he has to play in Spain again.

While replacing a player as skilled as Rodriguez is no easy task, freeing up the roughly $1.5 million he was paid this year will make it easier.