Ex-Everton centre forward Solomon Rondon has joined Argentinian giants River Plate, signing a 1-year contract at the Buenos Aires club.
The Venezuelan international joined the Blues from Chinese side Dalian Professional in August 2021, and though he was contracted at Goodison Park until the summer of 2023, the club decided to terminate his contract in December 2022.
The 33-year-old made 31 appearances during his brief time on Merseyside, starting on 13 occasions and contributing 3 goals and 1 assist.
The striker, who has previously had stints in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United, scored 2 out of his 3 Everton goals in an FA Cup fifth round victory at home to National League side Boreham Wood, with his other goal coming at Selhurst Park in a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
Rondon has previously played in Spain and Russia, though returns to South America for the first time since 2008, when he left his native Venezuela to join Spanish side Las Palmas.
The former Zenit St Petersburg striker never got going at Goodison Park, with perpetual injury issues and below standard performances a constant source of frustration.
His time at Everton is perhaps most remembered for his 4-minute cameo at home to Brentford in a 3-2 defeat, when Rondon was sent off for a reckless lunge on left-back Rico Henry.
The straight red card saw the Blues reduced to 9 men, with defender Jarrad Branthwaite having already been dismissed in controversial circumstances.
Following the sending off, Rondon posted an apology to Evertonians via his social media page.
The forward’s post stated, “I will always give my all on the pitch. I always want to help my club, teammates and fans. I tried to do that today and know that I wasn’t up to it in one incident and am truly sorry. My apologies from the bottom of my heart to the whole @Everton family.”