The Wales midfielder moved in a £13m deal last week,
Joe Allen has revealed, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, how a conversation with former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson helped to convince him that leaving Anfield for Stoke City was the right choice.
Allen left the Reds after four years to join the Potters in a £13 million deal last week as the Merseyside club failed to provide him with an offer of a new contract.
The club and Jurgen Klopp’s decision to allow the 26-year-old has come as a surprise to some after the Wales international, who starred for his country at Euro 2016, had arguably his most impressive season for the club after returning to favour under the German boss.
It soon became obvious that he was not part of the club’s long-term plans, however, and though he was linked with a return to his former club Swansea City he ultimately made the move to join Mark Hughes’ side.
Now, Allen has revealed how a conversation with former Liverpool right-back Johnson convinced him that leaving Liverpool to move to the Britannia Stadium was perfect for the midfielder.
Allen said, via the Liverpool Echo: “I did speak to Johno briefly and he had nothing but good things to say about the club.
“I have known him for a long time now so to hear such positive comments from him was good to hear and it definitely played a part.
“The general impression I got from him was that the club is very stable, and they want to push onwards to try to achieve even greater things.”
Allen played alongside Johnson at Liverpool for three years before the former England man left to join Stoke last summer.
The two will now be reunited as Hughes’ project at the Potter continues, and Allen will hope to become an integral part of the starting XI under his compatriot’s rule.
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