Darren Fletcher has said that he is looking forward to the challenge ahead after leaving West Brom for Stoke.
The Scot’s move to the Potters took many by surprise, as Albion were negotiating with Fletcher over a new deal before rivals Stoke nipped in and persuaded him to move to Tony Pulis’ former club.
Darren Fletcher agreed on the move after talks with Potters boss Mark Hughes, bringing an end to a two-and-a-half-stay at The Hawthorns, during which time he was Pulis’ club captain and he reiterated his enjoyment of playing for the Baggies.
“I just weighed up all my options and fancied a new challenge. Stoke made me a great offer, two years with the option of a third, and when I spoke to the manager Mark Hughes I liked what he had to say,” Fletcher told talkSPORT.
Darren Fletcher came through the ranks of Manchester United’s Youth Academy and spent 20 years with Manchester United, making 342 appearances for the club.
With them, he won five Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, three FA Community Shields and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Fletcher was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2009–10. He was named vice-captain in his last season with the club. He joined West Bromwich Albion in February 2015, where he made 97 appearances, before signing for Stoke City in June 2017.
Fletcher made his Scotland debut in 2003 and scored his first international goal on his second appearance. The following year, he played as the team’s youngest captain.
After Barry Ferguson was banned from international football because of a breach of regulations, Fletcher was given the captaincy on a full-time basis in August 2009.
The Scottish legend has won 78 caps and scored five goals for Scotland.