James Rodriguez will once again work alongside Carlo Ancelotti as the Colombian leaves Real Madrid to sign a two-year deal with Everton, with a Club option for a third season.
Rodriguez: “I’m a winner… a real winner. I like to win things and I’m convinced we can have a great season,” James told evertontv.
“I know we have a very talented squad, full of top players, and, I think, with the additions we’re making during this transfer window, it’s going to make us even stronger.
“Carlo Ancelotti was very keen to bring me here and has worked hard to bring that about.
“Now it is down to me to perform well, to play well, to bring my A -game to this club and bring that winning mentality, to make sure everyone in the Club believes we can win trophies.
“That is what we will be striving for.
“It is very good to feel wanted.
“You feel that desire even more to perform at your highest level all the time to repay that confidence and faith.
“I realise people have put a lot of effort into trying to sign me.
“I play very much for the rest of the team and work hard for the side.
“I am capable of creating goals and scoring goals.
“I hope to bring a bit more quality and maybe get the side playing more football.
“But, most importantly, I want to win things and I am convinced this club can do that.”
“That’s why I’ve come here: I’ve come here to try to improve, to get better,” said James.
“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 great things.
“With hard work, that’s what we are all aiming for. I’ve got huge faith that is definitely a possibility.
“He is a manager who gives all his players a huge amount of confidence.
“He knows how to get the best out of each of his players. I had one really great season with him and I performed to the best of my ability at a really top level.
“There is that mutual trust there and I just can’t wait to get started playing for Everton.”
“Carlo told me it is a very good club, with lots of positives,” said James.
“I can see the facilities here at the training ground are excellent.
“They tell the story of a club that wants to win things and succeed.
“I am convinced we can win trophies. I think the players coming in – myself and anyone else who is joining during this transfer window – can add that extra bit of quality and talent and, hopefully, we can go on to win things
“We are all winners and we want to be able to win silverware.
“I can see the project here is very serious.
“Everyone means business.
“I think the seriousness and determination to win trophies can lead to silverware.”
The 29-year-old was the stand-out star of the 2014 World Cup with a series of performances that led to a £63m move to the Bernabeu – the then fourth highest transfer fee of all time.
James excelled under the management of Ancelotti at Madrid, before falling out of favour under subsequent managers and leaving on a two year loan at Bayern Munich in 2017, once again under the tutelage of Ancelotti.