Sunday 29 January 2017 16:04, UK
Stoke forward Bojan has joined German side Mainz on loan until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has been unhappy at a lack of game time at the Potters this season and says he is delighted to be given the chance to try his hand in the Bundesliga.
Middlesbrough and Watford had been interested in signing the Spaniard but Stoke are understood to have refused to sell to a Premier League rival in the current transfer window.
Stoke, who attempted to assure the player of more minutes in the second half of the campaign, valued Bojan at £12m, which priced him out of a move to interested Spanish clubs Malaga and Espanyol.
Sky sources understand a loan deal became the most viable option and Mainz pushed hardest for this deal, with the player keen to explore a new division and new country.
Bojan - a product of Barcelona's academy - said: "I look forward to the team as well as to the fans and to help Mainz soon on the pitch.
"For the time being, this isn't a goodbye to Stoke City - It's just a 'see you soon' - but I didn't want to pass up on the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in ensuring that I hold great memories of my time at this club.
"Without doubt, some of the happiest moments of my career have come in a Stoke shirt."
Mainz are currently 11th in the Bundesliga and coach Martin Schmidt said: "In Bojan, we are able to win a strong, dangerous and creative attacking midfielder with outstanding footballing quality.
"I am looking forward to the exciting task of providing him with opportunities in the coming months for our team."
