Stoke City midfielder Joe Allen says he found out he had been sold to the Potters when he received a congratulatory text message from a friend.
The Wales international was on a post-Euro 2016 holiday in Ibiza when his transfer went through – and he was not kept in the loop by former club Liverpool.
Allen had spent four years at Anfield having followed former manager Brendan Rodgers from Swansea City in 2012. But his service had seemingly not earned him the courtesy of being told that he would be sold.
Although the 26-year-old was clearly reluctant to completely blast Liverpool, he could not hide his dismay at their lack of communication. And it is apparent that the manner of his departure has left a sour taste.
He told the Daily Telegraph: “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.”
When the dust had settled, Allen learnt he had made a £13m move to the Britannia Stadium. He was his debut as a substitute in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough.
