New Stoke City signing Xherdan Shaqiri has said that he "can't wait" to get going at the club after sealing his switch from Inter Milan earlier today.
The Swiss winger joined the Potters for a club-record fee of £12m this afternoon having been spotted in the stands watching the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool on the opening day of the season.
Shaqiri had reportedly initially turned down a switch to Mark Hughes's side earlier in the summer, but says that he is delighted to have "finally" agreed a deal.
"I am very happy, and incredibly excited that this transfer to Stoke City has finally happened," he told the club's official website.
"Over the past three days I have met great people at the club and witnessed the wonderful atmosphere at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. That experience was overwhelming. My special thanks go to the manager, Mark Hughes, chief executive Tony Scholes and Mark Cartwright for their work in helping to make this deal happen over the past few months.
"I sincerely appreciate it so much, and will give my utmost to pay them and the supporters back on the pitch over the coming months and years. I can't wait to meet my new teammates and make my debut for the club. It feels great to finally be a Potter!"
Shaqiri, who has also played for Bayern Munich, penned a five-year deal at the Britannia Stadium.
Barney Corkhill
