Shaqiri thrilled to complete Stoke move

The Switzerland international says he cannot wait to get started in English football after putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Britannia StadiumXherdan Shaqiri insists he is excited at the prospect of playing in the Premier League after securing a long-awaited move to Stoke City. Stoke paid Inter a club-record £12million for Shaqiri, who has agreed terms on a five-year deal at the Britannia Stadium. Back in July, Stoke manager Mark Hughes suggested that a move for the 23-year-old looked dead in the water, but the Welshman confirmed talks had been revived after Shaqiri was spotted in the stands as Liverpool defeated the Potters 1-0 on Sunday. And as he was unveiled at the Britannia Stadium, the Switzerland international says he is delighted to finally put pen to paper. "I am very happy, and incredibly excited that this transfer to Stoke City has finally happened," he told the club's official website. "Over the past three days I have met great people at the club and witnessed the wonderful atmosphere at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday [against Liverpool]. That experience was overwhelming. "My special thanks go to the manager, Mark Hughes, chief executive Tony Scholes and [technical director] Mark Cartwright for their work in helping to make this deal happen over the past few months. "I sincerely appreciate it so much, and will give my utmost to pay them and the supporters back on the pitch over the coming months and years. "I can't wait to meet my new team-mates and make my debut for the club. It feels great to finally be a Potter!" Shaqiri could make his Stoke debut against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday.