James Rodriguez wanted to join Atletico Madrid before completing a transfer to Everton, his stepfather has claimed.
Everton managed to win the race for James when they snapped him on a two-season contract with the option of an extra year on September 7, after brokering a £22 million (£28m) deal with Real Madrid.
The 29-year-old had also been linked with a number of other high-profile suitors, including the Blancos' arch-rivals Atletico, but ultimately decided that Goodison Park was the best place for him to open the next chapter of his career.