Andros Townsend bids heartfelt farewell to Crystal Palace after joining Everton on free transfer

Andros Townsend has bid a heartfelt farewell to Crystal Palace after joining Everton.

Townsend officially moved to Goodison Park on a free transfer on Tuesday, signing a two-year deal and reuniting with Rafael Benitez after leaving Palace following the expiration of his contract.

In a message shared on Twitter, Townsend thanked Crystal Palace and the club’s supporters for what he called five “amazing years and countless memories”.

“I’d like to say particular thank yous to the Chairman for bringing me to Selhurst and giving me the opportunity to wear the red and blue,” he said, singling out Steve Parish, who signed the former England international from Newcastle in a £14million deal back in 2016.

Townsend also thanked former Palace managers Sam Allardyce and Roy Hodgson for their “belief” in him.

He continued: “To the Palace fans. The beating heart of the club. To each and every one of you... Thank you. Thank you for all of your support, it’s that support which makes the club and Selhurst Park so special.

“It’s a shame we didn’t get to say goodbye properly, but we’ll be seeing each other soon enough and I’m already looking forward to returning to Selhurst when we meet again.”

Townsend, who scored 16 goals in 185 appearances for Palace across all competitions, signed off with the altered David Bowie lyrics the club faithful chanted in his honour: “There’s a star-man playing on the right”.

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