Source: Team_Talk
Pulis sold Stoke to me - Woody
Jonathan Woodgate has admitted he snubbed interest from elsewhere to continue his career with Stoke.[LNB] The former Leeds, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Middlesbrough and Tottenham defender was snapped up by the Potters on a free transfer.[LNB]Woodgate, who has signed an initial 12-month deal, has endured a nightmare time with injuries in recent years and was released by Spurs at the end of his contract this summer.[LNB]But the 31-year-old did not find himself short of suitors, with his abilities when fully fit having seen him earn England honours in the past.[LNB]A return to Elland Road was mooted, but the chance to remain in the Premier League with the Potters held the greatest appeal.[LNB]"I decided to go for a fresh challenge and spoke to Tony Pulis a few times," Woodgate told The Sentinel. "He sold me the club.[LNB]"There were a few other clubs interested, but Stoke are in the Premier League, they reached the FA Cup final and got into Europe."[LNB]Woodgate has made just four first-team appearances in the past two seasons and underwent surgery which saw a metal insert placed in his groin to help support his injured pelvis.[LNB]The talented centre-back traces his problems back to Tottenham's 9-1 victory over Wigan in November 2009, but now has his sights set on forcing his way into Pulis' first-team plans. [LNB]He added: "I ruptured the ligament at the bottom of the pelvis which caused the pelvis to become unstable.[LNB]"I had numerous operations and finally got back last year, but because I hadn't got a pre-season under my belt I kept getting little niggles. It was a nightmare.[LNB]"But you have to be optimistic. The medical team at Stoke is really good and their record in the Premier League is second to none.[LNB]"I've got to take it one step at a time, and the most important thing is to try to get into their first team first, which won't be easy because they've got a strong squad."
