Carlo Ancelotti has spoken about James Rodriguez for the first time since he quit Everton.
The Italian boss shocked Goodison officials by moving to Real Madrid at the start of the month.
Ancelotti brought Rodriguez from Real to Everton last September on a free transfer.
The Colombian star produced several stand-out moments during his first season with the club but was dogged by injuries which restricted him to only 23 appearances in the Premier League.
Rodriguez has a year left on his Everton deal.
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But reports this week suggest he is being offered to various European clubs, including AC Milan, as he eyes a route out of Goodison following Ancelotti's departure.
Ancelotti has now been asked about James, and told Il Giornale , as cited by Sport Witness: “A very pure talent, a great player.
"He had some physical problems and his contribution to the cause was therefore reduced.”
