128-capped Shay Given ended the season as Aston Villa's first choice goalkeeper, but apparently that wasn't enough for the 39-year-old to stay at Villa Park.
It was rumoured that Given was leaving last week, with Middlesbrough reportedly close to a deal. However, Stoke City have tonight announced the signing of the Donegal native:
#scfc delighted to welcome Shay Given to Britannia Stadium on two-year contract - http://t.co/CLkVYzR34M pic.twitter.com/w62OuifVFt
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 10, 2015
Given will be re-united with his former boss at Manchester City - Mark Hughes, which looks to be a big reason why he is moving to the Britannia. Hughes is quite excited about the move:
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 has signed a two-year-deal, moving on a free transfer after being released from the final year of his contract. With first-choice keeper Asmir Begovic rumoured to be moving to Stamford Bridge to replace Petr Cech as Thibaut Courtois' backup.
Given isn't the only player that Stoke signed today after they also secured a season long loan move for Chelsea youngster Marco van Ginkel.
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
