Joe Allen has criticised Liverpool for the way he was treated prior to his move to Stoke City.

The Wales international found out about his £13million transfer from Anfield to the Potteries via a text message from a friend while he was on holiday in Ibiza.

Allen, 26, suggests the behaviour of the Reds leading up to his exit was odd, especially seeing as he was not granted the decency of a farewell despite four years of service on Merseyside.

"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," Allen told The Telegraph.

"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."