Midfielder Joe Allen says he does not see his move from Liverpool to Stoke City as a "big drop" in his career.
The Wales international, 26, joined the Potters for £13m in July after four seasons at Anfield.
"Everything's been positive," Allen told BBC Radio Stoke.
"Stoke and Liverpool came to agreement very quickly and it was all very smooth - that's been great because I've had a couple of weeks with the team ahead of the new season."
Allen arrived at the Britannia Stadium on the same day as Egypt winger Ramadan Sobhi, with the pair becoming boss Mark Hughes' first signings of the summer.