Envigado president Ramiro Ruiz has revealed his surprise at Everton's deal to bring James Rodriguez to the club for free from Real Madrid.
Director of football Marcel Brands confirmed earlier this week that the Blues had not paid a transfer fee to the La Liga giants in bringing the Colombia international to Goodison Park.
However, that has left one of the playmaker's former clubs a little confused.
Rodriguez made his professional debut for then-Colombian second division side Envigado in 2006, before being promoted with them in 2007.
The forward left in 2008 to join Argentine side Banfield, before moving to Europe and continuing his meteoric rise to the top of the game.
Speaking to La Casa Azul Radio (via Marca ), Envigado president Ruiz explained the confusion of his club, claiming that have made a request to FIFA and Everton for more information.
He said: "I'm still surprised, everyone in Envigado is surprised because the statement of the Everton sporting director comes out coincidentally, when James is among the one hundred most influential players of the last ten years, he is at number fourteen.
"Is a player of that level free? Envigado has already made the request to FIFA and Everton. It is true that it is free in the transfer system, but we are infinitely surprised, because in addition, we knew and it is no secret that they arrived offers from Italian teams, who were willing to pay for his arrival.
"James is above many who today have 40 and 50 million euros for his transfer."
Rodriguez has made a strong start to his time at Everton, bagging three goals and as many assists in 12 Premier League appearances so far.
