Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti admits James Rodriguez was in a "desperate" state last season at Real Madrid.
Ancelotti claims that Rodriguez wanted to leave Spain to play more football after finding himself surplus to requirements at the club.
Speaking to NBC Sports, he said: "First of all, James Rodriguez wanted to find a new club where he could play more often than what he was playing at Real Madrid.
"He spent quite some time in Spain, in Madrid and he didn't play much. He wanted a new challenge and was desperate."
But after a torrid spell in Madrid, Ancelotti believes the future is bright for the striker at Goodison Park as the pair have a good relationship.
Rodriguez, 29, played under Ancelotti at both Madrid and Bayern Munich previously.
He continued: "I think he is in the right place now because he knows me and I know him. Everton want to improve and have a big project so I think he found the right club for him to show his quality."
