Here are your Everton morning headlines for Tuesday, 8 September.
James Rodriguez says the aim is to win things at Everton
Everton’s new star signing James Rodriguez has given his first interview after sealing the switch from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The Colombian international cited Carlo Ancelotti’s influence, having worked under the Italian at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and said he’s aiming to win things at Goodison.
“I am really, really happy to be at this great club, a club with so much history, and here with a manager who knows me really well,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to achieving great things here – and winning things, which is what everyone’s aim is.
“I’ve come here to try to improve, to get better. 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 big things and one of the big reasons [I signed] was the presence of Carlo Ancelotti.
“I have enjoyed some great times with him previously at two different clubs. That was a massive reason to come here.”
Here’s what he had to say in full .
Everton seal ‘arguably the biggest signing in the club’s history’
ECHO Everton reporter Adam Jones has reacted to the James Rodriguez transfer and attempted to put it in context of the club’s recent transfer dealings.
In terms of a fee, it’s now in the Blues’ top five signings, but few can match the Colombian for profile.
James lit up the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a series of starring performances, not least his two-goal showing against Uruguay to help his country reach the quarter-finals.
Just as they did with Mesut Ozil in 2010 and Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, Real Madrid were convinced to sign one of the outstanding individuals of the tournament.
It didn’t always go smoothly for him in the Spanish capital, but he added several stunning goals to his highlights reel and two Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles to his honours list.
He played a particularly prominent role in the 2016/17 league title triumph, with Zinedine Zidane using his squad to its fullest.
Here’s a closer look at just what signing James Rodriguez means for Everton .
Everton’s ambitious plans for international growth
Signing one of the most famous faces and marketable stars in South American football is of real symbolic importance for Everton, writes Adam Jones .
James Rodriguez has over 100 million followers on social media, and bringing him to Goodison Park is a real statement of Everton’s ambitious plans to grow the club in terms of international stature.
There are plans afoot for the club to open its first international office in the USA, with Florida and Southern California suggested as potential locations, while dedicated social media channels with bespoke content for a South American audience will also be launched.
Here’s that piece in full .
