James Rodriguez joined Everton on a free transfer from Real Madrid, director of football Marcel Brands has confirmed.
The Colombia international midfielder was the marquee signing for the Toffees last summer, ending his largely unsuccessful stint at Santiago Bernabeu and moving to Goodison Park in an eye-catching deal for Carlo Ancelotti's team.
It was widely reported at the time that Everton had to fork out a significant transfer fee for James, however Brands, in delivering his annual presentation at the general meeting of the shareholders on Thursday evening, has confirmed subsequent rumours that they did not have to pay a penny to Real.