Stoke made Marko Arnautovic a better player, according to chairman Peter Coates

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has revealed his disappointment over the exit of Marko Arnautovic after "resurrecting" his career.

Arnautovic, 28, said he had joined a "bigger and more ambitious club" by leaving Stoke for West Ham in a £25m move this week, following four years with the Potters.

But after Stoke rewarded the Austria international with new, improved terms last year, Coates argued Arnautovic owed a debt of gratitude to his former employers.

"I was very disappointed because he is a wonderful player," Coates told talkSPORT. "We are disappointed in him personally and [with] the people around him.

"We resurrected his career. Our manager and coaches worked very hard to improve him - and they've done that. They made him a name in the game.

Arnautovic said he joined West Ham because he believes they've shown more ambition than his previous club Stoke Arnautovic said he joined West Ham because he believes they've shown more ambition than his previous club Stoke

"Last year we put so much effort into giving him a long-term contract which was supposed to be it, and first thing we get in the summer he comes back and wants to leave.

"So yes, we are very disappointed but the team is more important than the individual."