Former Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie has admitted that he enjoyed his time at the bet365 Stadium and praised the supporters for backing him.

The 38-year-old, who retired from football in 2017 following a brief spell with Indonesian side Madura United, joined the Potters in January 2014 from Cardiff City with Kenwyne Jones heading in the opposite direction.

After making his debut in a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, Odemwingie opened his account for Stoke against West Ham United.

Having finished the 2013/14 campaign with six goals to his name, the forward missed most of the following season after picking up a serious injury in a clash with Manchester City.

With first-team football no longer guaranteed due to the form illustrated by Mame Biram Diouf and Peter Crouch, Odemwingie decided to join Bristol City on loan before leaving Stoke permanently in 2016 following the expiry of his contract (via BBC Sport).

Speaking to Planetfootball about his decision to move to the Potters, Odemwingie said: "I was happy to join Stoke and it was really nice that people didn't judge me based on what they had heard.

"When I walked into the dressing room nobody was putting my attitude under the microscope.

"At Stoke the dressing room was really fun.

"I hit the ground running thanks to Mark Hughes, who trusted me, and the supporters sang the song - 'He scores goals.'"

Making reference to the Stoke fans' reaction to his return from injury, the forward added: "That was something that I'll never forget.

"When I needed the fans the most in my career they were absolutely there for me."

The Verdict

Whilst it is fair to say that Odemwingie didn't exactly set the bet365 Stadium alight with his performances for Stoke, the fact that he still holds the club in such high regard will nevertheless be greeted in a positive manner by their fans.

If the forward had not sustained injury in 2015, he may have gone onto to become a key player for the Potters who were an established Premier League side during his time at the club.