Breaking – Ryan Shawcross leaves Stoke

‘End of an era’. With these words, Stoke City today announced the departure of its iconic centre-back Ryan Shawcross. Aged 33, the lad from Chester has agreed to join David Beckham's Inter Miami side with immediate effect after terminating his contract with Stoke by mutual consent.

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Shawcross, a product of Manchester United’s academy, first joined Stoke City on loan in 2007 after a previous loan in Belgium side Antwerp. The Potters signed him a season later on a permanent basis making one of the club’s ‘best ever signings.’ Thanks to his performances he won his first and only cap with England in a friendly against Sweden 2012 (2-4). 14 years spent at Stoke-on-Trent and 453 games played later, Shawcross leaves the old continent to join the United States and the MLS.

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In the emotional club statement announcing his departure, club’s chief executive Tony Scholes paid him a vibrant tribute: ‘He has been an outstanding role-model, both on and off the pitch, and the way he applied himself in training and matches epitomised the city of Stoke-on-Trent – hard-working, committed and loyal.’

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Shawcross was no longer really part of the plans of his coach Michael O'Neill who gave him just a few games this season, with only three appearances. In Miami, Shawcross will now play alongside French international Blaise Matuidi and Argentinian star Gonzalo Higuain.

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A full copy of the clubs statement can be found below: