Everton has signed Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez from La Liga champion Real Madrid on a two-year contract, the Premier League club said Monday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but British media said that Everton paid around 22 million euros ($26.33 million) for the 29-year-old who had a year left on his contract with the Spanish side.

"I am really, really happy to be at this great club, a club with so much history, and here with a manager who knows me really well," James told the club's website.

"I'm looking forward to achieving great things here – and winning things, which is what everyone's aim is. I've come here to try to improve, to get better. I've also come here to help the team to win, to play good football – entertaining football," he said.

Rodriguez is Everton's second major signing in the close-season following the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Allan from Napoli.

Everton finished 12th last term and begin its new Premier League campaign with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.