Begovic explains Stoke move

Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic has explained the reasons why he opted for the Potters over the much more attractive move to Tottenham. The Bosnian joined on deadline day in a some what controversial move.

Portsmouth claimed that Stoke were guilty of ‘tapping up` the 22 year-old, while he was on the brink of joining Spurs, and threatened to report them to the Premier League after rejecting an initial bid. However, if they were right, only a couple of hours later Pompey`s desperate need for money outweighed there sense of justice and he subsequently joined for around £3.25 million.

In bazaar circumstances it looked as if Stoke would tie up a move for Pompey`s other keeper David James. Stoke had wanted to take the England keeper on loan but Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie halted talks because the Potters wouldn`t contribute the right amount of James`s wages. Talks eventually broke down for good and so Stoke turned their attention to Begovic, who had replaced James as Portsmouth`s number 1. It appeared to be too late after Spurs manager Harry Redknapp looked set to sign another of his former players but for some reason Begovic had a change of heart.

He explains “I spoke to Mark O’Connor, who sold the club to me and I think it was the right move for me at this stage in my career’. Of Spurs he said “I did the medical and had a chance to speak to my representatives. Stoke were interested in me and it was serious so I decided to wait it out and hopefully let this move happen”.

This move shows just how far we have come over the past 18 months with a highly respected bright young player choosing Stoke over a giant side like Spurs. Begovic`s chances this season will be limited with Thomas Sorensen in the way but next season we may be seeing a new man between the sticks at the Brit.