James Rodriguez responds to Real Madrid rumours

James Rodriguez has played down suggestions that he could return to Real Madrid during this summer's transfer window.

The 29-year-old scored six times and registered nine assists in 26 appearances for Everton during the 2020-21 campaign but is being linked with a move away from the club this summer.

Various reports have claimed that new Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti could attempt to bring the Colombian back to the Bernabeu ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

However, Rodriguez, who only has 12 months left to run on his contract at Goodison Park, said that his "time at Madrid is over" when quizzed on a possible return to Los Blancos.

"Yes, I think my time at Madrid is over. The first three years were good, but last year when I had [a chance] to stay, [but] I wanted to play for another team. My first years were good. And when I go there, a lot of people say good things to me," Marca quotes Rodriguez as saying.

The South American struggled with a number of injury problems last season but still managed six goals and five assists in 23 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.