Stoke's chairman 'disappointed' over Arnautovic's exit

Peter Coates, Stoke City's chairman, is cynical about Marko Arnautovic's move to West Ham United.

Coates expressed his disappointment at Arnautovic's transfer on talkSPORT's "Alan Brazil Breakfast Show," saying the Austrian midfielder's career was "resurrected" by Stoke and suggesting a lack of loyalty was shown. The Potters pocketed £20 million by selling the FC Twente product to West Ham, with an additional £5 million to be paid if certain conditions are met.

"I was very disappointed because he is a wonderful player," Coates declared. "We are disappointed in him personally and (with) the people around him. We resurrected his career. Our manager and coaches worked very hard to improve him - and they've done that. They made him a name in the game.

"Last year we put so much effort into giving him a long-term contract which was supposed to be it, and first thing we get in the summer he comes back and wants to leave. So yes, we are very disappointed but the team is more important than the individual."

Arnautovic joined Stoke from SV Werder Bremen in 2013 and went on to tally 26 goals and 32 assists through 145 appearances for the Potters.