Everton winger Andros Townsend provides details on his move to Goodison
Everton winger Andros Townsend has revealed that he thought his agent was joking when he told him of the club’s interest.
Speaking to Everton 24/7 on YouTube [via the Liverpool Echo], the 30-year-old revealed some details regarding his move to Goodison Park.
It seems as if the winger turned down plenty of other offers to reunite with Rafael Benitez, even if initially, he didn’t believe that the Spaniard was actually keen.
He said: “I think we built a relationship there [at Newcastle] where he knew how much I wanted to stay and play under him, but unfortunately, ultimately, I had to play in the Premier League.
“Since then, we’ve kept in brief contact every now and then, we’d talk over text for a bit, but when he got the Everton job, my agent was saying, ‘Rafa’s interested’. I thought, ‘Alright, Marlon, next joke’
“He made the manager call me to let me know it was legit. From the time I heard that it was about drawing out the other offers as long as possible.
“It came to a point where a club gave me 48 hours to accept or reject their offer. I spoke to the manager, he wasn’t confident, and then thankfully, on my birthday, my phone was pinging off, and it was the manager saying he had the green light.”
Interesting details behind Townsend’s move.
Certainly, it seems as if the main reason that Townsend decided to join the Toffees rather than move elsewhere was because of Benitez.
Now, given they were together for such a short period of time, you could say that is surprising.
However, this might just show how much respect Townsend has for Benitez, and he has already returned the faith that the Spaniard has shown in him.
Townsend clearly really wanted to play under Benitez, and it will be intriguing to see if, after a good start, he can keep this early form going.
The winger has rattled in five goals in all competitions and provided three assists, so he is playing at the top of his game right now. He will have to continue doing that with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and now Abdoulaye Doucoure injured.
This is a brilliant interview with the former England man, and we recommend any Toffees fan to give it a watch.
In other Everton news, a report has revealed an update on Richarlison ahead of Saturday.
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