LONDON – Stoke City have signed winger Jermaine Pennant on a permament deal for Spanish side Real Zaragoza following a loan spell, the English Premier League club announced Wednesday. Pennant,
who made his name at Arsenal, joined the Potters on a temporary basis in pre-season after failing to cement a spot at Zaragoza. But now Stoke have given him a two-year contract, subject to international clearance and registration with English football authorities in a deal that has already cost the Midlands club 1.725 million pounds (2.668 million dollars) and could rise to 2.8 million pounds (4.3 million dollars).
“I think everyone knows how I feel about being at this football club,” Pennant told stokecityfc.com. “The supporters, players and management have been absolutely fantastic to me over these past four months and I desperately wanted to stay here because I love it so much,” the 27-year-old added.
“I know I have only been here a few months, but it really does feel like I have been here for years. The atmosphere around the place is brilliant, so I am looking forward to the fact that I am here at Stoke now for the long term and back in the best league in the world.” Stoke manager Tony Pulis,
whose side are 10th in the 20-team Premier League, said: “This is fantastic news, just what we all wanted. “Jermaine has made such a big impact since he has been with us and he has become a big favourite with the supporters, so I know that everyone will be delighted that we have completed this signing.
