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Stern John has responded to comments made by Alan Pardew following his move from Southampton to Crystal Palace.

The Trinidad and Tobago international rejected the offer of a new deal at St Mary's last month before joining the Eagles on a one-year contract.

Pardew has since voiced his disappointment at the manner of John's departure, saying he thought the striker was keen to stay.

John has rejected Pardew's version of events and stressed that coming to Palace was the right move for him in order to continue playing at the highest level possible.

"He (Pardew) knows the truth and I know the truth," John told the South London Press.

"They talk about players being loyal to clubs but I was there for two seasons and after the first one - where I really kept them up - they told me they weren't going to play me at all.

"I told them I wanted to stay but they never sorted out a deal properly and when I came and spoke to the manager at Palace he changed my mind about everything.

"I still have a lot to give and I wanted to play at the highest level."