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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
David Anderson

James Rodriguez convinced Everton can achieve "big things" after Carlo Ancelotti reunion

James Rodriguez aims to end Everton’s 25-year trophy drought after completing his £22million move from Real Madrid.

Rodriguez has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third and is excited to be reunited with Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti after working with him at Real and Bayern Munich,

The Colombian striker has won eight titles in four countries, two Champions Leagues and one Europa League and is adamant he can add to that haul at Goodison Park.

“I’m a winner, I’m a real winner,” he said. “I can see the plans here, the project here is very serious.

“Everyone means business. I think the seriousness and determination to win trophies can lead to silverware.”

Rodriguez, 29, is one of the highest-profile signings in Everton ’s history and the Blues, who hope to confirm Abdoulaye Doucoure’s capture from Watford soon, believe he can accelerate their global growth.

The South American has the eighth biggest social media following of any sports star in the world at just under 100 million and Everton believe he can make them better known across the Atlantic.

Rodriguez feels this is a fresh start for him after his £71million transfer to Real in 2014 went sour.

The pair have previously worked together at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich (Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno)

“I’ve come here to try to improve, to get better,” he said. “I’m 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.

“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.”

Ancelotti claims Rodriguez needed no persuading to come to Merseyside and said: “James is a fantastic player with a lot of quality and a lot of ability to make assists for the strikers.

“He was really excited to sign and I didn’t need to spend time convincing him, he was already convinced.”

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