XHERDAN SHAQIRI SAYS he was a top target for Liverpool in the summer of 2014, but saw Bayern Munich block a potential move to Anfield.
The Switzerland international was one of the most sought-after talents in Europe prior to securing a switch to Germany, having surged to prominence with Basel.
His debut campaign at the Allianz Arena delivered three major trophies, as Bayern swept to Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League crowns.
The arrival of Pep Guardiola as boss brought about a reversal in fortune, though, as the talented attacker slipped down the pecking order.
He admits he was looking for a way out ahead of the World Cup finals in Brazil, but Brendan Rodgers’ best efforts to secure his signature came to nothing.
Shaqiri told Spox: “I wanted to leave in summer by all means and had offers from Liverpool and Atletico. Brendan Rodgers called me several times before the World Cup. But Bayern forbid me to leave.”
The 25-year-old, who is now on the books at Stoke City, finally got his exit wish in January 2015 and ended up joining Inter Milan. He would spend just six months in Italy before eventually making his way to England with the Potters, but admits to thoroughly enjoying his time at the San Siro.
Shaqiri said: “Inter wanted me the most. They promised me a new Inter. The reception was really crazy. A security man nearly choked me, because there was chaos and he lost the orientation. The lifestyle was amazing, they were the best six months of my life.
“The football was very tactical. It was difficult to bring in my explosive style of playing. There was a training session in which I shot corners for two hours. I never experienced this before.”
He added: “Inter’s infrastructure is a shame to be honest — that such a prestigious club does not find a way to invest in its infrastructure is disappointing. The regeneration, analysis, training — in England it’s much more professional.”
Shaqiri has netted three times in the Premier League for Stoke this season, as they sit 11th, while Inter are perched seventh in the Serie A standings — six points adrift of the European places.
Always willing to work hard for the cause.
Still the Goat Jonny.
Fact. It was the reason why Rice changed his allegiance. No brainer.Hard to blame him. Archaic set up with a coach that was effin and blindin. St George’s park? Or a a field next to a hotel?
I’m sure some journalists will use this to say “it was the atmosphere that caused rice to defect”.
Great servant. But he was as English as Declan rice to be fair
@Cryptoalcho: obviously not, doh!
@Aidan Prior: if he had been good enough to get a call up for England, he would have chose England to play with
@Cryptoalcho: I’m fairly sure Walters has an Irish parent where as Rice doesn’t, so not the same at all.
@The Bloody Nine: Correct. Walters’ Mum was from Dublin. Rice’s Ireland qualifications were through having grandparents from Cork.
@Cryptoalcho: have a look at the clip on the article
@Cryptoalcho: never even listened to the clip i betya
@James Clancy: Douglas, I think.
@samstheman: Arah lads. U think if England came calling he would have chose Ireland….. Tut tut
@Cryptoalcho: Yes, obviously ya dope!
@Cryptoalcho: trolling much? He already mentioned above, anytime he wasn’t in school, he was in ireland seeing family, therefore felt Irish first and foremost. There are many, many 2nd gen lads brought up that way in england. Fai should concentrate on them instead of wasting their scarce resources on chasing 3rd generation rats like rice and Grealish, whose heart was never really in it from the outset
@Facundo: true. But how do we differentiate between lads who want to play for Ireland and want to play for England?…. I’m sure rice and grealish were saying they’d play for ireland seniors while playing underage.. first sniff from England and they’re gone…. Maybe they should just focus on Irish born players for underage only.. I still haven’t heard anything that would change my mind that Walters would be playing England instead Ireland if England came sniffing… Financially it makes sense and tbh all them lads Born in England probably want to be play for England. Irelands plan B
@Cryptoalcho: you’ve a lot to say about this topic. You’ve made your opinion clear. I’m watching Switzerland vs Georgia while I type this . We need all the help we can get. But let me ask you your opinion on Éamon Zayed playing for Ireland at youth level but then playing for lybia. What’s your take on this ? And what do you think the Libyans are saying about it ?
@Cryptoalcho: well sure, Irish born would be ideal, but until irish fans and fai get more proactive about financially supporting their own teams, leagues and structures, instead of bankrolling englands…. then 2nd and 3rd gen was always be default first option. 2nd generation os a safe bet, if they’ve been going to Ireland all their life then it’s safe to say they will probably want to play for ireland… Like those dublin born lads in Ireland underage who will probably jump at the chance to play for Nigeria first opportunity they get. Identity is where the heart is
@Facundo: there is still a crop of Irish born decent footballers who would gain copious amounts of experience if they are given the jersey instead of turncoats…. Let them get the expierence and let the lads who qualify for us under “the granny” rule come at senior level. Develop the youth we have here and they may get the opportunity to progress in life and career
@Ronan McDermott: he played the system well for himself
@Cryptoalcho: and what do you think the lybian football fans are saying about it ? In fact are you not horrified by this ?
Keane a thug