Stepfather: James happy at Everton, but Atletico Madrid the dream | OneFootball

James Rodriguez's stepfather says he's happy at Everton - though the dream was to join Atletico Madrid.

The Colombia captain has hit the ground running at Everton after arriving a fortnight ago on a free transfer from Real Madrid.

Stepfather Juan Carlos Restrepo told Cadena SER: "He is now comfortable and calm on the pitch. Sadness about leaving Real Madrid? They are experiences, now we are satisfied.

"If you see the minutes he has had on the pitch, surely (Real coach Zinedine) Zidane did not take James into account. James feels very liberated after signing for Everton."

Asked about Atletico, he continued: "Any player should be delighted that Atlético de Madrid noticed him. There is also the fans, James would have felt at home with them. In the next opportunity we hope it can happen.

"It is a pride that a club like Atlético had been interested in him. James would have liked to sign for Atlético."