Despite Serbia controlling play early, the organization of Switzerland led to two second-half goals to give them a deserving win.
LIVERPOOL — Liverpool have completed the signing of Xherdan Shaqiri, the Merseyside club announced on Friday.
Shaqiri underwent a medical on Friday and becomes Liverpool’s third signing of the summer. Sources told ESPN FC the 26-year-old signed a five-year contract after the Reds triggered a £13 million clause in his Stoke City contract.
The Switzerland international has been a player on Liverpool’s radar since 2014 and had his heart set on a move to Anfield when the club’s interest first emerged this summer.
“I’m very happy to be here. It’s a huge club with big history, big players and a fantastic coach,” Shaqiri told Liverpool’s website. “So I’m really glad and happy to be here.
“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.
“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.”
Shaqiri moved to Stoke in 2015 from Inter Milan and scored 15 goals in 92 appearances for the Potters, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
😉#XS23 pic.twitter.com/HhnFVBAoJy
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 13, 2018
At the World Cup, Shaqiri scored a 90th-minute winner to give Switzerland a 2-1 victory over Serbia in the group stage last month.
Shaqiri, an ethnic Albanian from Kosovo, was then the subject of a FIFA inquiry for celebrating by imitating the double-headed eagle displayed on Albania’s flag, which led to a £20,000 fine for Switzerland.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said Shaqiri “is someone who makes a big difference to the squad and team, because he can fit in so many positions in our system. He gives us greater flexibility in how we can use our current players also.”
Shaqiri began his career with FC Basel and joined Bayern Munich in 2012, spending two and a half years at the Bundesliga giants before a six-month spell with Inter Milan.
He won league titles in Switzerland and Germany plus the Champions League with Bayern in 2013.
“I know him well from his time in Switzerland and especially Germany — I have been a long-time admirer,” added Klopp.
“But the added bonus now is that he knows the Premier League and what it takes to perform in this uniquely intense environment. He also did really well at the World Cup — so he comes to us full of belief and confidence.”
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
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