The Italian manager reveals that the Colombia superstar was desperate to play after being left on the fringes in his previous club.
Despite winning a lot of trophies in Real Madrid, James could not become a regular starter under Zinedine Zidane and was loaned out to Bayern Munich for two years.
The former FC Porto man’s situation did not improve even after returning from his loan spell with the Bavarians,a reason which forced the 29-year-old to reunite with Ancelotti, who he worked with at both Santiago Bernabeu and Allianz Arena.
A reason which forced the 29-year-old to reunite with Ancelotti, a man he worked with at both Santiago Bernabeu and Allianz Arena.
James completed a move to join the Premier League side from Real Madrid on a two-year deal during the summer transfer window.
He has rediscovered his old form since donning the blue jersey in Merseyside, having scored three and assisted three in his opening seven games in the Premier League.
“First of all, he wanted to find a club where he could play more frequently compared to Real Madrid,” Ancelotti told NBC Sports about James.
“He had times at Real Madrid where he didn’t play a lot. He wanted a new challenge, was desperate to play, and I think he found the right place because he knows me, I know him … The club wants to improve, the club has a big project.
“I think that he found the right place to show his quality and, of course, the player is really, really talented; he doesn’t miss a pass, he doesn’t miss a control, he doesn’t miss a shot. He doesn’t play complicated football, he plays simple.”
