Jordan Ayew praised Roy Hodgson’s impact on his career after the 76-year-old resigned as Crystal Palace manager on Monday afternoon.
Oliver Glasner, 49, took over for the former England manager. Glasner watched from the stands as Palace’s 1-1 draw with Everton resulted in a point for Palace.
During Hodgson’s two terms as Palace manager, Ayew made 133 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing 15 assists.
Ayew, a Ghanaian international, opened the scoring for Palace at Goodison Park with a shot that zipped past Jordan Pickford from outside the area.
“It’s not been easy after a big week—a lot of emotion, things said, and things happening,” he told the BBC.
“We scored a point, and we’re quite pleased with the score.
“I’m grateful to him [Hodgson].
“As a player and a guy, he has shaped who I am today.
“He chose to bring me in with [chairman] Steve Parish and [sporting director] Dougie Freedman, which is why I came to this football team.
He has had a huge impact on my career, and I am extremely grateful to him.
“There is no doubt in my mind that he is a father figure; we spoke before the game.
“I’m hoping for a speedy recovery for him. We must protect the football team because life goes on, and that is what we are doing.