James Rodriguez reveals Real Madrid blocked his move to Atletico Madrid last summer

Former Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez confirmed that Real Madrid blocked his move to Atletico Madrid last summer transfer window.

James Rodriguez was highly linked with a potential move to Atletico Madrid. But later he signed for Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton.

The Colombian star was become out of favor at Real Madrid under Zinedine Zidane following his return from a two-year loan with Bayern Munich in 2019. He was given very little amount game-time in the last season with Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone wanted him in his squad. But Real Madrid rejected all the offers from their city rivals. James Rodriguez himself confirmed this with an interview with ESPN. He said, “Last year at Real Madrid I played very little.”

“When I decided to leave Bayern Munich I already had something with another club, it was practically done, but Real Madrid did not want to let me leave.”

He also claimed that he has conversations with Simeone over a move to the Wanda Metropolitano with the Argentinian coach keen to sign him. He said, “He said was a super important player and that he could play with me in his team.”

“I told him I was ready to move, but all this did not happen as Real Madrid did not let me leave.”- he added.

However, he finally joined Everton on a free transfer and re-united with Carlo Ancellotti at Goodison Park. James claimed that he is happy in his new side. He has made 21 appearances for Everton and netted 5 times.