Connor Wickham has revealed that his decision to leave Sunderland for Crystal Palace was made because of his desire for a "fresh start".

The forward signed a five-year deal with the Eagles on Monday after joining for a reported £6m fee.

Wickham spent four years at the Stadium of Light, but was persuaded by Palace manager Alan Pardew to uproot for a new challenge in London.

"I spoke to the gaffer last week and he said all the right things about the club and I've got friends here who also told me some very good things," Wickham told the club's official website.

"I looked at the team before I arrived here and the signings that have been brought in, and the potential to score goals and the chances that could be created was a massive influence. Hopefully I can add to that talent and make the squad stronger.

"I think I needed the fresh start, I had four years up north and it's been a bit stop-start. Now I've come back home and I can settle down and see my family a bit more and hopefully let my football do the talking."

Wickham could play in Palace's opening Premier League game against newly-promoted side Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon.