Xherdan Shaqiri has dismissed the critics who claimed he went missing last season and insists his conscience is clear over Stoke's relegation.
The Switzerland international cut short his holiday to join up with Liverpool for the final two legs of their US tour and may feature against Manchester United in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday. He is relishing the chance to work with Jurgen Klopp and says his new manager has not taken a £13million gamble.
There are many, though, who question his attitude. His old team-mate Charlie Adam was withering about the 26-year-old and said he 'never turned up' as Stoke battled against the drop. Gary Neville called him 'unprofessional', and Phil Neville labelled Shaqiri 'a disgrace'.
Addressing those accusations for the first time, Shaqiri had no wish to become embroiled in a public row but staunchly defended his contribution and does not believe the switch to Anfield has left him with a point to prove.
'I think my statistics speak for themselves,' said Shaqiri. 'I was the top scorer in the team with goals and assists, so I don't have to say any more. I think everybody knows I was the best player. I don't listen to what other people say.'
When pressed on being called a disgrace by Phil Neville, Shaqiri replied with a smile: 'He was a Manchester United player — maybe he doesn't like Liverpool!
'Some people like you, some people don't. I don't want to comment on what is said by people I don't know.
'I've played in the Premier League for three years and know what it is about. I can score goals, I can give assists. I've played in Europe and have a lot of experience. That is why the coach signed me. He likes me as a player. He knows my quality.'
Liverpool exploited a release clause to land Shaqiri for a cut-price fee. They have continued to monitor him since they almost signed him in 2014 when he was at Bayern Munich.
'Bayern didn't want to sell me at that time,' said Shaqiri. 'I spoke to (then Liverpool manager) Brendan Rodgers before the World Cup in Brazil. He called me and I was interested. The following January I signed for Inter Milan. Finally, I am a Liverpool player.'
Shaqiri watched from the stands on Wednesday night as Liverpool played Manchester City. The squad's preparations for the game were severely disrupted as the flight that was due to take them from Charlotte to New Jersey was delayed by eight hours.
Liverpool have been fined £7,108 by UEFA for crowd disturbances, the throwing of objects and setting off fireworks following incidents in their Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma at Anfield in April.
fecabopuy
0
I'm sure of that, maybe at the very beginning it might be hard. You are a great player however
Tushar77
0
Lets see what Liverpool does in the coming season According to the new transfers it has a solid team Hope it does great
shah2468
0
Very good attacking footballer, for such a price that was a steal. Well physically built, pacy, good ball control with some tricks in his arsenal, not injury prone. One of them good signings for LFC. Hope he will enjoy his time in this wonderful club. Best of luck Mr. Xherdan and #YNWA
fascimtz
2
He really have a point to proof. Hope he can perform better with LFC because he is surrounded by TOP players. No excuses this time for him
Robberyone
1
shaquiri is a good player.
egyptiane
1
I think he will do good. But his a backup and will remain so
poiulJE
2
The problem with him is not his football, its his attitude. I never really wanted to see him in Reds shirt but I believe in Klopp. When he was at Stoke, we all saw how often he went missing when he was needed and to me, it says a lot about his attitude as opposed to his footballing skill. So the lad better fix up, as a squad player, dont be moaning about how much game time you think that you should be getting. Any slacking, the Kop will let you know in no uncertain terms.
Bensons
0
Hard to work hard playing for Stoke
bushlive
0
Always remember as well as a team can bring the best out of a player. A player can also bring the worst out of a team. If he goes walkies during a game and can't be bothered to work hard that then makes it extra hard for the other lads and they have to work harder this then causes trouble because why should they work so hard and he does nothing. Rooney was top scorer at Everton last season. But they told him he could go. Because they had such a bad season with him. After SAF retired everything when pair shaped at United and he was constantly like a bear with a sore head and his play went awful. And so did the team They got rid of him to Everton United improved somewhat and seemed a better atmosphere amongst the players then all the trouble for Everton.so be warned
ppogbaa
0
The promise of champions league and a better squad hopefully brings out the best in him.
reached
0
He'll do just fine. Ignore the haters.
EPSON
0
Watch this space, money well spent, Klopp will turn this boy into a super star
loown
0
Yep he can score goals at least five goals a season.. But am sure klopp will get the best out of him, Liverpool signed so many quality players that can improve each other in games
Schwein0731
0
The worst bloke,from a team that got relegated. Waste of space
knackered
0
Had a great world cup, very impressive for Switzerland.
Mudineao
0
Those legs ffs!!
Oscarbed
0
But you can't win any trophies though.... You'll fit right in lad!
went666
0
on loan to Wigan next season
favorite
0
Well he has said he will be a hit .....will look like a clown if he doesn't
weights
0
Well done. You will replace Ings on the bench. What an achievement.
Ryan_Villo
0
Anytime a player puts on a Liverpool shirt they're suddenly transformed into one of the best players on earth.
yea.... right...
amicablea
6
Anytime a player puts on a Liverpool shirt they're suddenly transformed into one of the best players on earth.
development
2
Neville may have been correct about him last season being lazy, but klopp doesn't suffer lazy players, not one single Liverpool player can be accused of being lazy, not one. Klopp will turn this lad into a proper player.
UUCall
4
It's a big difference when you look up and see Keita feeding you the ball instead of Charlie Adam
Costar
0
He'll do just fine. Ignore the haters.
Bostons
0
Always remember as well as a team can bring the best out of a player. A player can also bring the worst out of a team. If he goes walkies during a game and can't be bothered to work hard that then makes it extra hard for the other lads and they have to work harder this then causes trouble because why should they work so hard and he does nothing. Rooney was top scorer at Everton last season. But they told him he could go. Because they had such a bad season with him. After SAF retired everything when pair shaped at United and he was constantly like a bear with a sore head and his play went awful. And so did the team They got rid of him to Everton United improved somewhat and seemed a better atmosphere amongst the players then all the trouble for Everton.so be warned
Elsa98
2
Just do your best for liverpool, shaqiri!
peppadem91
1
If this lad come good this season mane and salah bench will waiting.........think klopp know what he's doing hoping for the best.....
Yorokiri
0
I like shaqiri but is not gonna be getting much playing time
U.S.A4088203
0
Shaqiri don't deceive yourself, you'll be on the sidelines throughout your stay at Liverpool
I’ll bet you he’ll score a goal that you’ll think is good 🤔 💭
U.S.A4088203
0
Hell ya
Vuwklnopt
0
l like Shaqir'si kind of strength and speed.
Teezeey
0
Shaqiri don't deceive yourself, you'll be on the sidelines throughout your stay at Liverpool
Jacksonfuck
2
Don't worry Shaq, you'll probably leave next season when you realise you actually want to win trophies 😂
YOU ARE THE BEST IDIOT I HAVE EVER SEEN
Familylipuu
2
shaqiri trust me you will never walk alone
Nesaiknruy
2
Don't worry Shaq, you'll probably leave next season when you realise you actually want to win trophies 😂
Kaucemp
2
U will surely shine Shaq. Fire burn all ur critics
Jotaort
0
UCL, EPL, FA Cup
[image]
Sure
Anooor
6
good luck Bro . give us some powerfull shoots . and score us some direct free kicks . we got you because we know who's really Shaqiri . we want Shaqiri better then Shaqiri Beyern Munchen . You'll Never Walk Alone . we trust in you .
montestiokah
0
very well
Mustaphe045
1
UCL, EPL, FA Cup