One former coach of James Rodriguez has backed the Real Madrid star as his move to Everton edges closer.
The Blues are understood to be close to announcing the transfer of the 29-year-old playmaker, who will join the club alongside the potential arrivals of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The Colombia international has one year remaining on his contract with the La Liga giants and made just 14 appearances in all competitions last term, scoring one goal.
However, former Colombia manager Hernán Darío Bolillo Gómez has spoken of his belief in Rodriguez to show his abilities when his switch to Everton is confirmed.
He told told El VBar de Caracol Radio [via SportWitness ]: "James is like one of our family. He is a close friend of my son; they grew up together.
“I wish James nothing but the best, I believe in him, I have always believed in him.
“He is a great player, a very good person. and he is not as big a party animal as they say. I know that, and my son knows it.
“He is a man who lives for football; he likes football; he is happy and calm.
“He went to a more difficult football … Verón went to English football and had to return, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Falcao also.
“Hopefully, James, who we wish the best and who is capable, will succeed in English football because he is an important player for the Colombian national team and all of us.”
This is set to be the third time Rodriguez has linked up with Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian signed the playmaker shortly following the 2014 World Cup for Real Madrid, and brought the Colombia international to Bayern Munich on a two-year loan in 2017.
