Goalkeeper swaps Aston Villa for Stoke City
Stoke City have announced the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given on a free transfer.
The Repulic of Ireland international was released by the Midlands club at the end of last season and has now put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Britannia Stadium.
The deal will give Given a second chance to work close with Mark Hughes after the duo were together at Manchester City earlier in his career, but it’s a deal that could see The Potters lose a star too.
With Given arriving, it could end Asmir Begovic‘s career at Stoke as he closes in on a move to Chelsea after Petr Cech joined Arsenal.
Given Statement
After arriving at the Britannia Stadium, Given said the following:Â “I’m delighted to have joined Stoke City – they’re a big Premier League club who are doing incredibly well,” he said exclusively to stokecityfc.com after signing a two-year deal.
“It’s also an opportunity for me to stay in the Premier League and to come to a football club that is doing well and has a passionate support base.
“Mark Hughes was a big pull for me to join the Club. I’ve worked with him and his staff before and it will be fantastic to work with everybody again.
“Mark was a really big factor in me coming to the Club, he’s done a magnificent job and I have a lot of respect for him.
“He’s a man who instantly gets the respect form his players, not just as a manager but from his playing days as well.
“He’s someone I really want to work for and the job he has done in the last couple of years has been fantastic.”
Hughes Delight
Hughes also spoke to the club’s official website and said the following:Â “I know Shay particularly well from our time together at Manchester City and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.
“He will not only be a great asset on the pitch as an outstanding goalkeeper but he’s also a fantastic character to have in the dressing room and around the Club – a true professional.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt