Gianelli Imbula delighed with £18.3m Stoke City move
Tuesday 2 February 2016 16:57, UK
Gianelli Imbula has expressed his delight at joining Stoke City after he became the Potters' record signing on Deadline Day.
Imbula was the biggest deadline deal and the most expensive signing in the UK during the January transfer window after joining from Portuguese side Porto for £18.3m.
The 23-year-old is looking forward to making his first Premier League appearance, but will have to wait and watch his side play against Manchester United on Tuesday before making a possible debut on Saturday against Bournemouth.
"I'm really pleased to have become a Stoke City player - it's a very exciting moment for me in my career.
"Everyone talks about the Premier League. It's the biggest championship in the world and I really hope to be part of it very soon," Imbula told the Stoke City official website.
The Frenchman was drawn to Stoke by the interest shown in him by manager Mark Hughes, and is looking forward to playing in the Welshman's new-look team.
Imbula will be aiming to hit the ground running after struggling for Porto this season and the defensive midfielder has sung the praises of his new team's attractive style of football.
"It's really important the fact Mark Hughes has shown a desire to sign me. I will give my best for him and the Club.
"The last months I've spent in Porto have been difficult; I really hope everything will be fine here.
"It was important that the coach wanted me. I watched many Stoke City games and I've really appreciated the way they play football.
"Stoke is a top 10 club, I've watched a lot of the games and I know most of the players."
