Joe Allen: Timing Was Right For Me to Move On From Liverpool

Joe Allen put forward a brilliant midfield display for Wales in this summer's European Championships, helping his country to a surprising semi-finals run. Still, he was sold to Stoke City after the tournament when a £13 million offer came along.

For some, a move away from Anfield in such circumstances would sting. But the chicken-loving midfielder said he held no hard feelings about the way things transpired this summer. In fact, he relishes the opportunity to get regular playing time with Stoke City.

"It wasn't a difficult decision to move and I'm not looking back with any regrets," Allen said to Sky Sports. "I'm excited about the future in my career. At 26, the best years are still in front of me and naturally I'm looking forward to them ... I was hoping this opportunity would come up in the summer, and thankfully it's all worked out well."

He claimed his time at Liverpool, which spanned 132 appearances, was a positive overall experience. But after coming to terms with being outside of Jürgen Klopp's plans, he knew it was time to move on.

"I look back and I've got fond memories. It was a huge privilege to play for a club like Liverpool but the timing was right for me to move on," Allen said. "When a new manager comes in, you're hoping you can impress and get in the team. I thought that his style would suit me, but it wasn't quite to be. In all fairness, the competition in midfield was tough all season so there's not too many complaints on my part."