ANDROS TOWNSEND has sealed a return to the Premier League by signing for Luton.
The 32-year-old was a free agent after leaving Everton at the end of last season when his deal expired.
Townsend had been on trial at Burnley during pre-season but failed to win a contract.
He described the rejection by the Clarets as “the toughest conversation I’ve had in my career” and admitted he broke down in tears when finding out he would not be staying at Turf Moor.
Townsend revealed: “If I was bad and knew I wasn’t going to get a contract I could prepare myself.
“But to be looking at houses, looking at schools, talking about squad numbers and then to be told the contract is no longer on offer, it rocked my world.”
The winger had filled his time without a club by appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports.
Townsend has penned a short-term contract at Luton until January.
He is a boyhood fan of the newly-promoted side and has been training with the club in recent weeks.
He said after signing: “I feel like it’s a good fit and these last couple of weeks have been good for both parties.
“I think it had to be right and I feel over the last two weeks we’ve had a look at each other and done that.
“I’ve seen where I can help this team and on the flipside the manager has seen where I can help – whether that’s on the pitch, in the dressing room or on the training field – with my enthusiasm and experience.
“Plus, Luton are my local team – I live 20-25 minutes away so I’ve kept my eye on their progress and watching the Championship play-off final and see them win promotion was great for the club.
“I never thought I’d pull on the Luton shirt, so it’s a huge honour to play again in the Premier League for this club, and hopefully get help this club get as many points as we can and see where it takes us.”
Townsend is a former England international with 13 caps to his name.
He begun is career at Tottenham and had several loan spells at the likes of Watford, Millwall and Leeds.
He earned a move to Newcastle in 2016, playing just 13 times before spending five years at Crystal Palace.
Townsend joined Everton two years ago but injury restricted him to just 27 appearances.
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