Everton complete James Rodriguez transfer on two-year deal as ex-Real Madrid star links up with Ancelotti for third time
EVERTON have completed a stunning move for Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez.
The Colombian ace, 29, has penned a two-year deal at Goodison Park with the option of a one-season extension.
It’s believed Everton have paid around £22million for his services.
And Rodriguez is now reunited with Carlo Ancelotti yet again after the Italian signed him for both Real and Bayern Munich.
Rodriguez becomes Everton’s second senior signing of the summer after Brazilian midfielder Allan joined from Napoli for £25m.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is also set to join from Watford for £22m.
And it means Everton are looking at a brand new three-man midfield for the new season.
Despite playing just 14 times last term, Rodriguez remains one of the biggest names in football.
He has a plethora of trophies to his name, including two LaLiga titles, two Bundesliga titles and two Champions League.
Rodriguez admits he’s delighted to be on Merseyside and can’t wait to link up with his new teammates.
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The star said: “I am really happy to be at this great club, a club with so much history, and here with a manager who knows me really well.
“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 win, to play good football - entertaining football.
“I’m convinced, with Carlo and his staff, we can achieve big things and one of the big reasons [I signed] was the presence of Ancelotti.
“I have enjoyed some great times with him previously at two different clubs. That was a massive reason to come here.
“I’m a winner, a real winner. 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. I hope we can have a good, positive, mutual feeling between ourselves.
“What they can be sure of is I am going to give everything in every game situation, every play, every build-up. I will be trying my absolute best.
“I have sensed that good feeling right from the very start, and it is excellent.”
Boss Ancelott was equally delighted, adding: “James, as everyone knows, is a fantastic player with a lot of quality and a lot of ability to make assists for the strikers.
“He’s really excited about the project of the Club and the fact we want to improve.
“He was really excited to sign and I didn’t spend time to convince him - he was already convinced.
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“Players like James and Allan can help us to be better and we can help them to be better.
“This kind of connection can be helpful to improve the results, the team and results of this club.”
