James Rodriguez was "desperate to play" at Real Madrid, according to Carlo Ancelotti, who says the Colombian star has "found the right place" at Everton.
James spent six years on Madrid's books after joining the club from Monaco for £63 million ($83m) following his star turn at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The midfielder attracted the Blancos' attention after helping Colombia reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, during which he also managed to pick up the Golden Boot.
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He never quite managed to live up to the potential he showed on the international stage during his time at Santiago Bernabeu though, despite winning two La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.