Former Liverpool right-back and new Stoke City signing Glen Johnson says he wanted to be part of the Potters as they are "a club moving in the right direction."
The 30-year-old former England full-back's signing as a free agent was confirmed by Stoke on Sunday.
"I met manager Mark Hughes a week ago and was impressed with what he had to say," Johnson said in Singapore, where he is part of the Stoke side for the Barclays Asia Trophy this week.
"Stoke once had a reputation for long balls and throw-ins. But that has all changed since Mark came in. They've progressed to a real footballing team. I don't like to kick it forward, I like to play football and Mark told me he wants to do the same. So it should suit us both.
"I also wanted to stay in the Premier League because it is the best in Europe. This move has ticked a lot of boxes."
Though a new member of the Stoke side, Johnson is not in unfamiliar surroundings.
"I've played with Peter Crouch, Marc Wilson and Steve Sidwell before and I know them," he said.
"I am also familiar with Singapore having been here in 2011 with Liverpool. The place has always been special as the fans love the Premier League. There is huge support here for Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
"It should be a great buzz on Wednesday with fans getting the chance to see three EPL teams play in two matches."
After Stoke take on Everton on Wednesday, Arsenal are up against the Singapore Selection XI. The winners will meet in the final on Saturday, which kicks off after the third-place game contested by Wednesday's losing teams.