Joe Allen has criticised Liverpool for their handling of his departure from Anfield.

The Wales international, who helped his nation reach the semi-finals of the European Championships earlier this summer, joined Stoke City last month in a reported £13m deal.

The midfielder had to settle for a role as a substitute for the majority of last season, but his performances coming off the bench received plenty of plaudits.

Now, Allen, who signed for the Reds from Swansea City for £15m in 2012, has revealed that he discovered his fate while on holiday in Ibiza.

"I actually had a text message off a friend congratulating me about making the move when I didn't even know it was happening at the time," The Telegraph quotes Allen as saying. "Not knowing whether the club intend to sell you or keep you, especially when you're trying to ask the question, is disappointing.

"If I'm honest, to find out they accepted an offer through the press isn't the best way of going about business, I don't think. The communication wasn't great but as soon as Liverpool accepted an offer I knew what their intentions were for me.

"It was a bit strange but that's how things happen sometimes. There was no real goodbye, but I'm not the most sentimental person anyway. It's irrelevant now because sitting here I've got the move I wanted."

Allen made just eight Premier League starts for Liverpool last season.