Tuesday 22 December 2015 15:39, UK
Erik Pieters does not regret moving to Stoke City two and a half seasons ago, a transfer that left the then manager of the Netherlands, Louis van Gaal, a little perplexed.
Van Gaal felt the full-back's switch from PSV Eindhoven lacked ambition, with the current Manchester United boss appearing to suggest the Potters did not provide the best platform for Pieters to display his talents.
Stoke entertain the Red Devils on Boxing Day, live on Sky Sports, with United currently on a dismal run of no wins from their last six matches in all competitions.
And referring to comments made in the summer of 2013 by Van Gaal, Pieters told The Sentinel: "I remember what he said.
"People still think that Stoke will be relegated at the start of each season. It happened in my first season, second season and third season.
"But in the first season, we had a top-10 finish, the second season we did it again, and we are hoping we can do it three years in a row.
"I'm happy with my choice but I was always confident coming here was the right move. I'm happy with my move and I'm happy with how this season is going."
I'm happy with my choice but I was always confident coming here was the right move.
As for his own personal ambitions, Pieters added: "I want to improve each year. I'm 27 now and I want to get better and better.
"I feel good, the best I've felt in years. It's my best season I've ever played and I hope that continues.
"I feel physically and mentally stronger. A good home helps a lot. I have a beautiful fiance and she helps me, making sure I do my work, so I keep fit and get better and better.
"At the club as well, I do 100 per cent every time and hopefully that will help me get better and better."
Pieters admits he is now better prepared to face the hectic schedule Premier League clubs have to deal with over the festive period.
He went on: "The Premier League is one of the hardest leagues to play in, especially over these two months.
"I was already used to playing loads of games because at PSV we were in the Europa League but I wasn't used to playing in December. I was used to 10 days off.
"The family is over - my parents, my sister and my fiance's family - and when loved ones are near to me, that's good.
"They'll come and watch the games, we'll have some good dinner and a very little drink. It'll be nice."
Watch Stoke City v Manchester United live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 12.30pm on Boxing Day.
