Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri says he almost joined Liverpool
Tuesday 20 December 2016 14:42, UK
Stoke winger Xherdan Shaqiri has revealed Bayern Munich blocked a potential move to Liverpool in the summer of 2014.
The Switzerland international won three major trophies in his first season, as Bayern claimed the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League.
However, the 25-year-old dropped out of favour when new boss Pep Guardiola arrived at the start of the following campaign.
Shaqiri concedes he was looking for a way out of Munich ahead of the World Cup finals in Brazil, but despite the best efforts of Brendan Rodgers, and interest from Atletico Madrid, the deal did not materialise.
"I wanted to leave in summer by all means and had offers from Liverpool and Atletico," Shaqiri told Spox.
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"Brendan Rodgers called me several times before the World Cup. But Bayern forbid me to leave."
Shaqiri finally got his exit wish in January 2015 and ended up joining Inter Milan, but after just six months in Italy he moved to Stoke.
Shaqiri was surprised at the lack of investment in facilities at Inter, but despite his brief stay he insists he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the San Siro.
"Inter wanted me the most. They promised me a new Inter," the former Basel star said.
"The reception was really crazy. A security man nearly choked me, because there was chaos and he lost the orientation. The life style 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 into the corners for two hours. I had never experienced this before.
"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."
