Everton midfielder James Rodriguez has revealed that he was close to joining Atletico Madrid at the start of the season but Real Madrid blocked this move to the capital club.
Real Madrid were not prepared to sell a quality player to their direct rivals and Rodriguez had to abandon his hopes of joining Atletico Madrid.
The player further went on to claim that the only reason he joined Premier League club Everton was because of Carlo Ancelotti.
He said: “I played very little in Madrid, especially in my second spell. After leaving BayernI had everything ready to join Atletico Madrid, but Real Madrid didn’t let me.
“If it weren’t for Carlo, I wouldn’t have come to Everton. 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 play well. I’ve shown my strength at the club, and with my teammates. I want Evertonto play good football.”
Rodriguez had worked with Ancelotti before at Real Madrid and the two share a close relationship.
The Colombian has been an impressive signing for the Premier League side so far and despite his injury issues he has managed to make a positive impression in the Premier League.
It will be interesting to see if Rodriguez can overcome his physical problems and put together a consistent run of games between now and the end of the season.
Everton will be hoping to play European football in the near future and players like James Rodriguez could be the key to their ambitions.
