Stoke City defender Erik Pieters has spoken to the Dutch media about playing for the Premier League side, and life in England.
Pieters is in his 4th season with Stoke City, after joining the club from PSV in 2013 for £3m.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Pieters was asked about his time at Stoke City, and how he settled in at the club: “It’s not a modern or high-tech city. Here you won’t find Louis Vuitton. They are not like that in Stoke. Here life is raw and hard. But the people who live there all have a big heart. And that is why I think it’s a beautiful city.”
The Dutch media outlet is quite keen to point out Pieters lives in Cheshire, over 30 miles from the Bet365 Stadium, but it seems the player is happy in his surroundings at Stoke City.
Pieters went on to say that playing in the English top flight is demanding but something he’s certainly got used to with Stoke: “In the Premier League. I’ve only missed twelve games since I’ve been here. Really, I find it very unreal that I’ve already had so many matches. As a footballer in England you live in a fast-pace.”
The Dutchman has established himself as Stoke City’s first choice left back since arriving in England, despite concerns over injuries whilst playing in the Netherlands.
Pieters has played over 150 Premier League games for the English side, and has been a regular in Mark Hughes’ starting eleven this season.
