Jack Butland has admitted that the possibility of becoming "bogged down" was behind his decision to reject a move to Chelsea in 2013.
Then on the books of Birmingham City, the England international instead completed a move to Stoke City.
Asked why he had opted for the Britannia Stadium by Sky Sports News, the 23-year-old replied: "It wasn't the need to play straight away. It was kind of 'what's the next step and how can I build my career next?' I just felt at the time I didn't want to get bogged down at a big club.
"I'd always back myself to try and do well, but I didn't want to get bogged down and be another number. It felt like the next step for me was at Stoke and that was somewhere could really develop and build something."
Butland has gone on to make 47 appearances for the Potters, as well as earning four senior international caps.
