Jonathan Woodgate admits he is disappointed at being left out of Stoke City's Europa League roster for this season.
The former Tottenham and Real Madrid man was not included in Tony Pulis' 25-man squad as the Potters boss fears he is too injury-prone to play both Premier League and in Europe.
Woodgate says he is definitely frustrated with the decision but has no doubt he has joined a club with plenty of scope.
"I'm obviously disappointed because you want to play as many games as you can," Woodgate told BBC Sport.
"I understand where the manager's coming from. It's not a problem, you take it on the chin and get on with it."
As for his move to the Britannia Stadium, Woodgate said it was Pulis who helped get him over the line but ultimately the current position of the Potters made his mind up.
"[Tony] said the lads are top-notch and it's a great club with great supporters," said Woodgate.
"As soon as I spoke to him I thought, 'He really wants me, he's taking a chance on me. He seems really keen to have me'.
"When you're wanted, it's a good thing, especially when you've been injured.
"I think it's [a club] on the up but we shouldn't get carried away.
"We're playing really well. We're in Europe, we've got the FA Cup and League Cup. It's going to be a long, hard season."
Stoke kick-off their Europa League campaign with a trip to Ukraine's Dynamo Kiev tomorrow night.
