Everton have signed Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez from Real Madrid on a two-year deal, with a Club option for a third season.
Signed by Carlo Ancelotti for Real Madrid, James was named La Liga’s best midfielder after scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists in 29 games under the Italian manager in 2014/15.
He has won eight domestic titles, across four countries, claimed two Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and, when at Porto, was a Europa League winner in 2010/11.
“I am really, really happy to be at this great club, a club with so much history, and here with a manager who knows me really well,” James told evertonfc.com.
“I’m looking forward to achieving great things here – and winning things, which is what everyone’s aim is.
“I’ve come here to try to improve, to get better. I’ve also come here to help the team to win, to play good football – entertaining football.
“I’m convinced, with Carlo and his technical staff, we can achieve big things and one of the big reasons [I signed] was the presence of Carlo Ancelotti.
“I have enjoyed some great times with him previously at two different clubs. That was a massive reason to come here.”
James moved to Spain from French side AS Monaco directly after claiming the World Cup Golden Boot with his six goals at the 2014 competition in Brazil.
He scored in all five of his country’s matches, enhancing a reputation which was already growing following a season with Monaco when he directly contributed to 22 goals – scoring nine – in 34 league games and was named in Ligue 1’s team of the year.
James crowned his debut Spanish season, when Real Madrid won both the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, by being named in UEFA’S team of the year. He was part of a Real team which won successive Champions Leagues in 2015/16 and 2016/17, adding the La Liga crown and UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to the second of those European titles.
“I’m a winner, I’m a real winner,” Rodriguez added. “I can see the plans here, the project here is very serious. Everyone means business.
“I think the seriousness and determination to win trophies can lead to silverware.
“I can see, too, these fans are real, true supporters.
