Everton winger Demarai Gray has jumped to the defence of former manager Rafa Benitez.

Benitez was much maligned at Goodison Park.

But Gray told the Athletic: “I understand people might have had mixed emotions. But I'm grateful for him. He had faith in me, he wanted me at the club, he made that clear and I think for any player, first and foremost, it's who you're playing for and what the manager wants and thinks of you.

“I enjoyed my time with him. He is a good guy… loves to talk! He's a passionate man. I played some of my best football under him. He gave me a sense of freedom and made me feel a valuable member of the squad.

"That was important for someone like me and the way I am as a player."