Liverpool new boy Xherdan Shaqiri has slammed pundits that criticised him over the summer for his performances whilst at Stoke City.

The Swiss international joined the Reds this summer on a £13.5m deal from the Potters, where he was a star performer after finishing the season as top goalscorer and assist maker.

However, he was criticised by various pundits for his lack of effort, as Stoke were doomed to relegation into the Championship.

In particularly, pundits Gary and Phil Neville, former England internationals and Manchester United defenders, hit out at the winger, labelling him “unprofessional” and “a disgrace”.

But Shaqiri remains unfazed by the comments, saying his conscience is clear.

He told national newspapers: “They were Man United players – maybe they don’t like Liverpool. I don’t know, it could be.

“Some people like you, some don’t. I’ve played three years in the Premier League. I’ve proved I can play in this league.

“I was the top scorer in the team with goals and assists. For me, my conscience is clear and I don’t have to comment any more on this.”

On a more positive note the 26-year-old admits he is ‘really happy’ to be a part of the club.

“I am really happy to be here finally,” he said. “Everybody knows that a few years ago I wanted to come here but it didn’t work out because Bayern blocked the move. I spoke to Brendan [Rodgers] at that time before the World Cup. He called me and I was interested. We had many discussions at the time in Germany with the club because I wanted to come here. They blocked it. They said: ‘We want you to be here, you are important for us.’

“They didn’t want to sell me at that time. Then the following January I signed for Inter Milan. Of course I was disappointed not to sign for Liverpool but my brother is my agent and since then he has always been in contact with the sporting director here [Michael Edwards]. Finally I am a Liverpool player.”