'No one wanted me, but Benitez fought for me'

ANDROS TOWNSEND believes Rafa Benitez overruled the Everton setup to bring him to the club.

- By JOE THOMAS

The winger moved to Merseyside after his contract came to an end with Crystal Palace in July 2021. The transfer reunited the England international with Benitez after the pair worked together briefly at Newcastle United.

While the manager's stint at Goodison Park would be a disastrous one, Townsend did have positive moments in Royal Blue before suffering a devastating knee injury.

Townsend said he was shocked when Benitez sought him out.

Reflecting on how he discovered the club were interested, he said: "When he got the Everton gig, my agent said 'Rafa's asked about you'.