Tomas Rigo reveals who helped convince him to join Stoke City over their Championship rivals

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Stoke City have made a perfect start to their Championship campaign under Mark Robins, as they won their opening three fixtures.

This has seen the Potters sit at the top of the Championship table, with the only other club in the division to have made as good a start being Middlesbrough, their best start in 31 years.

Stoke City have been busy in the transfer market this summer, which has seen the Potters add several faces to the side as they attempt to shape the team to the liking of Mark Robins.

This has seemingly worked to this point due to their perfect start in the Championship; however, there is one long-term target that they have finally managed to confirm ahead of their match with West Brom.

• READ MORE: West Brom boss Ryan Mason reveals ‘main focus’ ahead of transfer deadline day with next departure imminent

Tomas Rigo is happy to have signed for Stoke City

Stoke City have been chasing Tomas Rigo for the majority of the summer, and now the highly rated Slovakian has signed for the Potters for an estimated fee of £3 million.

Ipswich Town had previously been linked with the 23-year-old; however, they have recently signed Marcelino Nunez from their fierce rivals Norwich City, with the Canaries explaining why they sanctioned the transfer.

Speaking with club media, Rigo explained why he opted to join Stoke City, he said: “I am so excited to be here; there is a lot of tradition and history in this club, and I want to be a part of a successful new journey.

“I also believe, with the facilities and coaches here, I am only going to improve my game.

“The team is doing very well; I have been watching the games from afar, and I have enjoyed the atmosphere and the way they are playing.

“I have been talking with Robert [Boženík] too, who has been very positive about this huge club.

“His words have made me even more excited to be here in Stoke, and hopefully I can help the team to success in the future.”

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Jon Walters is delighted with Tomas Rigo

As Stoke City confirmed the signing of Tomas Rigo ahead of the West Brom game, it means they have made their 11th summer signing.

This has been a long-term target for Jon Walters and Stoke City, and the former Republic of Ireland international spoke about the deal with club media.

He said: “Tomáš is a tenacious and technically talented midfielder who became sought after following standout performances in the under-21 Euros.

“Identifying him early via a combination of data, video and live scouting helped put us ahead of the competition.

“We then had to remain patient to finally bring Tomáš to Stoke City, and we do so with a firm belief in his ability to make an impact on the team.”