Stoke City midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has revealed that manager Mark Hughes was a big factor in his decision to join the club.
The Potters broke their transfer record to sign the Switzerland international from Inter Milan for £12m on Tuesday.
Shaqiri has said that he is looking forward to starting work under Hughes.
"It is very important for me to have the coach behind me showing great belief in me, and Mark Hughes has done that," the 23-year-old told Stoke's official website.
"He's a great guy, a great coach and somebody that I'm excited to work for. We have had many conversations, spoke about lots of different things and in the end, this was the move that I really wanted to make.
"It is the perfect move for me. Everything about it fits and for me, it is the perfect decision. I really want to show him and the rest of staff, players and supporters great football on the pitch and hopefully help move the club forward."
Shaqiri has penned a five-year deal at the Britannia Stadium.
Steven Toplis
