Windhoek: Veteran midfielder James Rodriguez has returned to his native Colombia to join Atletico Nacional, the Medellin-based club announced on Thursday. The 35-year-old arrives as a free agent after parting ways with Minnesota United in July.

According to Namibia Press Agency, "Welcome, James. You have joined a family that will shower you with love, where we are sure to share glorious moments," said Atletico Nacional president Sebastian Arango in a statement on the club's website. Rodriguez has not played in Colombia since leaving his boyhood club Envigado to join Argentina's Banfield in 2008.

Over the years, Rodriguez has had spells at Porto, Monaco, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton, among other clubs. Despite injury struggles that have limited his club appearances in recent years, he has remained a key figure for Colombia and is his country's most capped player.

Atletico Nacional currently sits fifth in Colombia's top-flight standings with 12 points from five outings, trailing leader America de Cali by eight points.