Xherdan Shaqiri presented himself to the media in a good mood
Image: Keystone
Xherdan Shaqiri trained with the new team for the first time
Image: Keystone
Xherdan Shaqiri is greeted by his new teammates
Image: Keystone
There is great interest in Xherdan Shaqiri
Image: Keystone
Xherdan Shaqiri presented himself to the media in a good mood
Image: Keystone
Xherdan Shaqiri trained with the new team for the first time
Image: Keystone
Xherdan Shaqiri is greeted by his new teammates
Image: Keystone
There is great interest in Xherdan Shaqiri
Image: Keystone
For Xherdan Shaqiri, returning to FC Basel is a matter of the heart. His ambitions are high.
20.08.2024, 18:36
20.08.2024, 18:40
SDA
Shortly before 1 p.m., the official start of the press conference with Xherdan Shaqiri, it becomes quiet in the FC Basel media room and a certain tension is palpable. The 32-year-old attacking player arrives slightly late. He presents himself in a relaxed manner and is responsible for the odd laugh. When he is asked a question in High German, he initially answers in High German as well. Suddenly he stops and says: "I have to speak Swiss German, sorry. We are in Switzerland. But you understand me? Yes, very well."
Shaqiri is not one to pretend. Although he knows exactly what he can do, he has remained down-to-earth. It's not for nothing that he is one of the most popular players in Switzerland, as was evident during his presentation to the fans on Monday evening, when the square in front of the FCB office was more than full. "I didn't think so many people would come," Shaqiri admits. "It was a nice start."
Forgoing a lot of money
Returning to FCB, for whom he played as a junior and left in 2012 after three championship titles in a row and two cup wins, was a matter of the heart for the gifted left-footer. For those responsible at Basel, a return during the European Championship became a serious topic after it became clear that Shaqiri would leave the Chicago Fire by the end of the year at the latest. "The talks were very positive right from the start," says Head of Sport Daniel Stucki. "When we then defined the framework, we knew that we could have a say."
When the contract between Shaqiri and Chicago was terminated prematurely in mid-August, things happened quickly, even though several clubs from various countries expressed interest in the 125-time Swiss international and he could have earned significantly more money elsewhere. Shaqiri blocked everything because negotiations with FCB were already well advanced. "I wanted to go back home," he emphasizes. "We found a good solution. As far as the financial side was concerned, I knew from the start that we would come to an agreement, as it wasn't just about the money. That's why I was very calm the whole time."
Although Shaqiri's return is not only a gain for FCB on the pitch, Stucki makes it clear that the signing was primarily a sporting decision, "it's a bit of a transfer coup. He is worth his weight in gold for us, also as a player." He is also proud of the fact that the transfer was kept secret until the end. Shaqiri even fibbed to colleagues in Switzerland, saying that he was still at home in Chicago. "Many were surprised (after the announcement), and that's exactly what we wanted."
Many formative experiences gained
His twelve years abroad - he won the Champions League with Bayern Munich and Liverpool - have left him with a number of formative experiences, or as he says himself: "a long list". He can't name one highlight. However, he doesn't want to miss the negative things either. But now he is looking forward to a new chapter, says Shaqiri, who is currently living with his parents again.
He is relaxed about the fact that his return is associated with great expectations. He also has such expectations of himself. "There are no guarantees anywhere in life. But I'm always positive and I'm confident that I can help the team with goals and assists." He also wants to bring his winning mentality into the team. "FC Basel has a lot of young players who can still develop. It's good to have an experienced player there, which will hopefully give the team a boost."
Shaqiri makes no secret of his ambitions, even if he is realistic after finishing 8th last season. "It's about staying grounded and taking it step by step. It's a process that we all have to go through together." He emphasizes that he did not sign for three years for nothing. "But in the long term, the club has to get back to where it belongs." What Shaqiri means by that is clear: to be Switzerland's number 1.
