Giannelli Imbula was overjoyed after completing his transfer to Stoke City on Monday.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder joined the Potters from FC Porto on a five-and-a-half-year deal for a transfer fee of £18.3million - a new club record - and was delighted to have made the move to the Premier League.

Regarding his arrival at the Britannia Stadium, Imbula told the club's official website that he felt privileged to now call a club like Stoke his home and cannot wait to start working under Mark Hughes who showed plenty of ambition to make the deal a reality.

"I'm really pleased to have become a Stoke City player – it's a very exciting moment for me in my career," said the former Guingamp and Marseille man.

"Everyone talks about the Premier League. It's the biggest championship in the world and I really hope to be part of it very soon.

"It's really important the fact Mark Hughes has shown a desire to sign me. I will give my best for him and the Club.

"The last months I've spent in Porto have been difficult; I really hope everything will be fine here.

"It was important that the coach wanted me. I watched many Stoke City games and I've really appreciated the way they play football.

"Stoke is a top 10 club, I've watched a lot of the games and I know most of the players."