Everton midfielder, James Rodriguez has explained why he didn’t join Atletico Madrid last summer.
After James’ loan spell at Bayern Munich, a deal was in place to take him across the Spanish capital to Los Colchoneros, but parent club Real Madrid stood in his way.
“I played very little in Madrid,” James told ESPN. “Especially in my second spell.
“After leaving Bayern I had everything ready to join Atletico Madrid, but Real Madrid didn’t let me”.
Napoli was another club interested in signing James then, with Carlo Ancelotti on the bench at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The Italian left in December and soon moved to Everton, to where James has since followed him.
“If it weren’t for Carlo, I wouldn’t have come [to Everton],” James said. “It’s the truth. Then, I started to get to know the club, the people, and I saw that everyone wanted to win, like me. But Carlo being here was fundamental.
“It hasn’t been easy for me due to physical problems, but I know that when I play well, the team plays well. I’ve shown my strength at the club, and with my teammates. I want Everton to play good football”.
