Everton have confirmed the signing of Andros Townsend on a free transfer.

The winger left Crystal Palace this summer after he was unable to agree to a new contract.

The veteran, who has 31 goals and 35 Premier League assists to his name has been recruited by new Everton boss Rafa Benitez.

He admits Benitez is a key reason why he chose the Toffees as his next club.

"When you're young and a winger, you focus solely on when you have the ball at your feet," said Townsend to evertontv.

"What can you do when you have the ball?

"Rafa tried to get me to work off the ball [at Newcastle], run in behind, come into the pockets, work back defensively.

"Rafa is very experienced, he does a lot of work on the tactical side on the training pitch and leaves no stone unturned.

"More importantly, he's a great man, a great man-manager, and he's always talking to you."