New Liverpool signing Xherdan Shaqiri has insisted he moved to Anfield because he “wants to win titles”.
The Swiss international completed his long rumoured switch to the Reds yesterday night after successfully passing a medical.
He will join the club on five-year-deal after Liverpool activated the £13 million release clause in his contract from Stoke City.
And following his move, Shaqiri has insisted he has high hopes for his career at Anfield, and believes he can help take to team above and beyond what they achieved last term.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a huge club with big history, big players and a fantastic coach. So I’m really glad and happy to be here,” began the 26-year-old.
“As a player you always want to be on the biggest stage in football. A few years ago I wanted to come too but it didn’t happen. I’m really happy that now I’m finally here.
Shaqiri ➡️ ✈️ ➡️ 🇺🇸@XS_11official will be included in the Reds' squad for the @IntChampionsCup: https://t.co/uC6GHlWazR #LFCPreSeason pic.twitter.com/OWvLhblpTc
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 14, 2018
“I want to improve myself too, I want to be with the best and I want to win titles. That’s what I’m here for.”
As well as the appeal of trophies, Shaqiri insists the prospect of working with Jurgen Klopp is what convinced him Liverpool was the right club for him.
Shaqiri spent time with Bayern Munich whilst Klopp was in charge of Borussia Dortmund between 2008-2015, and says he has been a big admirer of the German’s style of football ever since they crossed paths in the Bundesliga.
“I know the coach from Germany, when he was at Dortmund,” he said, “We played against each other – me with Bayern Munich – and they were always big games.
“That was a big point for me to come here, because of the coach. I love his football, how he plays and how he manages a team. I was always an admirer of his so I’m happy to reunite with him.”
