James Rodriguez needed hospitalisation the day after playing for Colombia in their international friendly against France in the United States. The former Everton player, who also represented Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, spent three days in hospital after displaying signs of "severe dehydration".

Rodriguez, 34, started their 3-1 defeat before being substituted as part of a triple change midway through the second half, during which temperatures at Northwest Stadium in Maryland reached 26°C. The player returned to Minnesota, where he plays for Major League Soccer side Minnesota United, before showing symptoms.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, Colombia confirmed Rodriguez spent time in the hospital. Their federation said: "The day after the match against France, the player presented symptoms of severe dehydration, which necessitated his hospitalisation over the past 72 hours for preventive clinical monitoring and recovery."

They further stated that Rodriguez "has been under professional observation due to a medical condition of non-sports-related origin. It is important to clarify that this situation is unrelated to any musculoskeletal injuries, nor is it linked to the performance of his footballing activities."

The federation also confirmed that the medical report on Rodriguez currently "indicates a favourable prognosis and steady improvement. We wish James a speedy and full recovery."

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Colombia are in Group K at this summer's World Cup alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Portugal and Uzbekistan this summer. Rodriguez captains his country and is due to lead the South American nation out in North America.

The tournament will feel something like a home competition for Rodriguez, who currently lives in the United States. He moved to Minnesota a month ago after leaving the Mexican club Leon as a free agent at the end of last season.

Rodriguez said after signing a short-term deal until the summer, which can extend over the remainder of this season: "I'm very happy for this new chapter in my life. I hope to be at my best so I can bring joy to this city and to all of the people who are putting their faith in me.

"I'm looking forward to meeting all of the passionate Minnesota fans because I'm also a passionate player who wants to give everything on the field and always wants to win."