James Rodriguez has responded to a cryptic tweet that he posted linking him with a move away from Everton.
The Colombian playmaker continues to be linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer, following Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid.
He was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton, which manager Rafael Benitez confirmed was due to being in isolation.
The ECHO understands that Everton are open to allowing the 30-year-old to leave the club this summer should they receive a suitable offer.
On Tuesday, Rodriguez posted a tweet featuring a selfie accompanied by the caption 'Nunca dejes de creer', which translates as 'never stop believing' in English.
This also happens to be the same motto as Atletico Madrid, and his tweet which had a smiling face emoji and a ‘soon’ emoji caused a stir on social media.
Speaking on a Twitch stream, Rodriguez says that he did not know about the quote being associated with the La Liga champions.
"I didn't know that this was the motto of this team, it was a total coincidence,” said Rodriguez, translated by Marca .
"I only put a personal message, I did not say that I am going to a club or for something.
“It has been the news for a whole day, I am not related to this club, there have been no talks, nothing, but everyone knows.
“Yes I go to a club, I do not say it or give signals, I speak it when it is already a fact because in football anything can happen.
“For the press and all those who put things, you have to get a little better information, I did not want to create controversy.”
