Stoke new boy Asmir Begovic has expressed his joy at completing his move to the Britannia Stadium.
Keeper reveals offer snubs
Stoke new boy Asmir Begovic has expressed his joy at completing his move to the Britannia Stadium before Monday's transfer deadline.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis had initially looked into signing Begovic's former Portsmouth team-mate David James on loan until the end of the season, but when that deal broke down he succeeded with a £3.25million bid for the 22-year-old Bosnia international.
Begovic has already played for two clubs this season, having figured for Ipswich on loan before a run in the Pompey first team, but Stoke are confident the issue will not be a problem.
"It has been an eventful time for me, one way or another, but I am delighted to be joining Stoke because it is a club moving forward," said Begovic, who has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal.
"I was aware of interest from one or two clubs, but once I found out that Stoke wanted to sign me, I was convinced that it was the right move for me.
"My time at Portsmouth has been great for my development, but this is an exciting new challenge for me to push on in my career."
Fighting talk
Meanwhile, Thomas Sorensen has welcomed the arrival of Begovic and vowed to fight to keep his place in the side.
"It is the manager's choice. I can only focus on what I am doing.
"Keeping a clean sheet is important, but competition is also good for everyone.
"I think I have done well in this game. I can't look back and think I should have done better, so hopefully I will be in goal on Saturday.
"The manager has felt that's where we have to strengthen things and he has done that."
