"?Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend has claimed he had to leave Newcastle United in the summer in order to save his England career.
Townsend was named in Roy Hodgson's provisional squad for Euro 2016 in the summer, but failed to make the 23-man cut despite some impressive performances for Newcastle.
"?Speaking to the Independent, Townsend claimed that his England career could have ended if he was currently plying his trade for the Magpies in the Championship.
"I made the tough decision. Nobody knows what is going on in your head. England featured in that decision. Roy (Hodgson) did say it didn't matter if I was playing in the Premier League or Championship, but when he left I knew if I was playing in the Championship it would it was nigh on impossible to get in the squad so it was a factor in my decision.
"Rafa (Benitez) understood. When I made my decision I dropped him a text to let me know and he texted to congratulate me on my England call-up. He understood and all is well there."?
Townsend also revealed that he has been forced to endure criticism from Newcastle fans, who have claimed his move in the summer was motivated purely by money.
"Yes of course (I have had stick), but it is to be expected. If they weren't too bothered about me leaving it would have meant that I didn't do a good job," Townsend explained.
"But the fact that they were giving me stick just means that I did well there. Obviously I would have liked to have stayed but it wasn't meant to be.
"I played well enough in the time I was there, I gave my all to keep the club and at one point it looked like we were going to stay up, but unfortunately it didn't happen. I got the opportunity to stay in the Premier League and I had to take it.
"Everyone on the outside goes "?ahh he's left Newcastle, gone to Palace, it must be about the money;' but nobody seems to think us players are actually motivated about getting the best out of themselves, making the most of our career, playing in the greatest division in the world."