Stoke midfielder Salif Diao re-joins after deal expires
Salif Diao has returned to Stoke after signing a two-year deal at the club, having left at the end of last season when his previous contract expired.The 33-year-old Senegal international midfielder had been exploring the prospect of a move abroad.
"It is fantastic. He is not only an experienced head, but a good person to have around," said manager Tony Pulis.
"We made it perfectly clear there would always be a welcome for him back here and we're delighted he has signed now."
Diao joined Stoke in a permanent deal from Liverpool in 2007 after an initial loan spell.
His new contract includes an international ambassadorial role, and he said he felt he owed a debt of gratitude to Pulis."It's great to be back home. I love the club and I love the supporters, so I always hoped something could be sorted out," he said.
"I feel there is still unfinished business and I want to help Stoke City continue the excellent progress made in my time here.
"Tony Pulis is more than a manager to me and I want to repay the faith that he has shown in my ability at this stage in my career.
"I believe I can still make a big contribution as a player but it is also very exciting that I have another important role to play which could help bring new talent to the club in the future."
Pulis said Diao had a major contribution to make to the club's future.
"He has an important role to play in the future of the club, both as player and in an ambassadorial role, but we appreciate that he wants to make the most of trying to enjoy more success on the pitch first and foremost," said Pulis.
City also confirmed that Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson has arrived at the club to discuss terms on a permanent move.
And it has been reported Stoke have also agreed a deal to cover Eidur Gudjohnsen's wages on a season-long loan from Monaco.
The Iceland striker spent time at Tottenham last season and his arrival would complete a busy day of transfer activity at Stoke.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/8957431.stm
