Shay Given joins Stoke after release from Aston Villa Last Updated: 10/07/15 6:44pm
Stoke have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given from Aston Villa. Given joins Stoke on a two-year deal after he was released from the final year of his contract with Aston Villa. The 39-year-old has won 128 international caps and has turned out for clubs including Celtic, Blackburn and Newcastle during his 21-year professional career to date.
The move to Stoke will see Given once again link up with Potters boss Mark Hughes, who signed the Irishman when he was in charge of Manchester City.
Hughes told Stoke’s official website: "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."
Given’s move to Stoke should pave the way for current goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to replace Peter Cech and join Chelsea in an £8m deal. Stoke have already signed Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel on a season-long loan, while England full-back Glen Johnson is understood to be undergoing a medical at the Britannia Stadium ahead of joining the club on a free transfer from Liverpool.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9909440/shay-given-joins-stoke-after-release-from-aston-villa [ 此帖被羅力亞在2015-07-11 02:12重新編輯 ]