Erik Pieters is pinching himself over his move to Stoke City.

After recovering from an arm injury last season, Pieters left PSV Eindhoven for Stoke in the summer.

"It's been great, really wonderful," Pieters told Voetbal International.

"I've had a bad time and now I'm playing again. And it's in the Premier League."

Pieters admits he hasn't spoken to Holland coach Louis van Gaal since making the switch. Van Gaal had recommended he stay with PSV.

"I had a request to call him back, but because he was in Brazil I did not.

"Later, he called me, but my phone was off. I then tried once, but did not get him. Then I heard nothing more. Till this day I have not spoken to him. Pity. I'd like to explain why I made this choice."