Inter Miami have signed Ryan Shawcross after the centre back spent more than 13 years at Stoke. 

The 33-year-old, who amassed 453 appearances for the Potters and scored 25 goals, saw his contract at the Championship club cancelled by mutual consent on Friday after a succession of injuries had limited him to just eight matches in all competitions since the start of last season. 

Rumours of interest from the David Beckham-owned franchise managed by Phil Neville had started to swirl earlier this month, so it was no surprise when Shawcross was snapped up on Saturday.

After the deal was wrapped up, Shawcross said: 'It's really exciting. It's a great opportunity. I've read loads about Inter Miami and seen loads of videos from last year.

'I'm really excited to be part of the team and looking forward to helping out. I had seen the press about it when the club first started, and you see the owners and the vision they have, and you can't help but want to be involved with it. 

'It's a fantastic set-up…the facilities are something to be really excited about, and then you hear about the fans and how enthusiastic and passionate they are. 

'There's so many things going for the club and for such a young club, a new club to have all these things going for it, it's just a fantastic opportunity for me. I can't wait to get started and hopefully contribute in a good way.

'I've done a few pre-seasons in North America and I've always liked going to different locations. I've been to Columbus, Dallas, all these different places and the facilities have always been brilliant. 

'I've always expected it to have a bit of a boom, especially with David Beckham a while ago, and it seems to be getting bigger and bigger. 

'It's something I wanted to be part of. Obviously Inter Miami has made some big signings with Higuaín, Matuidi and some really good players. 

'And obviously the new manager coming in, Phil Neville, with all his experience. It's another great acquisition for the Club - it's a club going places.'

Neville said: 'With Ryan, having known him for a long time since he was a youth-team player at Manchester United and then following his career at Stoke, I know that he fits into what we want to do at Inter Miami. 

'He's a good leader on and off the field, he sets the example for others to follow in terms of his professionalism. 

'He's someone that I think will be a brilliant asset to the club over the next couple of seasons.'

Shawcross played against Neville four times when Stoke and Everton clashed in the Premier League and will also join forces with a former team-mate, Brek Shea. 

The Manchester United trainee was given a send-off by Stoke during their home game against Luton, with a mural of Shawcross adorning the bet365 Stadium's concourse. 

Inter Miami took part in their debut MLS campaign in 2020, which was truncated due to Covid-19. 

After finishing 10th in the 14-team Eastern Conference, former Uruguay international Diego Alonso was replaced by Neville last month, with the former Manchester United midfielder resigning from his position as England Women's head coach in the process.  

The club recruited experienced France midfielder Blaise Matuidi and former Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain last year and will hope to add more names to their squad ahead of their opening MLS weekend of 2021 on April 17.