Joe Allen Says Liverpool to Stoke Transfer Revealed by Friend's Text Message

Joe Allen has admitted he was disappointed with the way he left Liverpool, revealing he only found out he was being sold to Stoke City when a friend texted him congratulations about the move. 

The Potters signed the 26-year-old from the Reds last month for £13 million following his impressive showing at Euro 2016 as Wales surprisingly made the semi-finals.

He had only a year left on his contract and was expected to make a move away from Anfield. But Allen said he was not overly impressed that Liverpool did not tell him they had accepted an offer for him before it went public, per John Percy in the Telegraph:

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I actually had a text message off a friend congratulating me about making the move when I didn’t even know it was happening at the time Not knowing whether the club intend to sell you or keep you, especially when you’re trying to ask the question, is disappointing.

If I’m honest, to find out they accepted an offer through the press isn’t the best way of going about business, I don’t think. The communication wasn’t great but as soon as Liverpool accepted an offer I knew what their intentions were for me. It was a bit strange but that’s how things happen sometimes. There was no real goodbye, but I’m not the most sentimental person anyway. It’s irrelevant now because sitting here I’ve got the move I wanted.

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Allen added that he knew he was not likely to become a regular in the first team at Anfield under manager Jurgen Klopp and said he is "really excited" about his prospects with Stoke.

The Welshman departed Liverpool with his reputation fully intact, if not enhanced, following his exploits at the Euros in France, where he played a key role in Chris Coleman's side, per WhoScored.com:

He made his competitive debut for Stoke in their 1-1 away draw with Middlesbrough last weekend, replacing Bojan Krkic in the 78th minute.

Mark Hughes' side play Manchester City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday in their second game of the 2016-17 Premier League campaign, and Allen could well be handed his first start for his new club.

What Stoke have gained from signing the former Swansea City man is a player who can contribute well in attack but also provide a second line of defence in the middle of the park.

Against City, Hughes could use Allen to restrict the immense attacking talent Sky Blues manager Pep Guardiola has at his disposal.

The Wales international could also be vital in beginning counter-attacks against City as Stoke go after their first win of the season.

The abrupt departure from Liverpool has seemingly irked Allen, but at Stoke he now has a massive opportunity to prove that he can perform consistently in the Premier League.