So slick Shaqiri teases Nevilles
from DAVID ANDERSON in New York
IF Xherdan Shaqiri can deal with opponents as well as he dispatches critics, he is set for a fine career at Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s £13m signing from Stoke has been questioned because of the Swiss player’s supposedly suspect character.
Gary Neville branded him “unprofessional” while brother Phil called him a “disgrace” after Stoke’s relegation last season. Shaqiri laughed when those accusations were put to him.
He said: “They were Man United players. Maybe they don’t like Liverpool!
“I don’t know, it could be. Some people like you, some people don’t.”
Shaqiri refuted Charlie Adam’s claim that he went missing last season.
He pointed to his return of eight Premier League goals and seven assists as proof that he was Stoke’s best player.
He added: “I think everyone knows that. I think my record speaks for itself. 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.”
Delayed
Shaqiri cut short his holiday to begin pre-season training this week.
Despite arriving bleary-eyed in New Jersey in the early hours yesterday, after the team flight was delayed nearly eight hours, he says he should be ready to face Manchester United in Saturday’s friendly.
He is thrilled to be at Liverpool. Four years ago, Bayern Munich rebuffed Brendan Rodgers’ attempt to bring him to Anfield.
“I spoke to Brendan at that time before the World Cup,” he said. “He called me and I was interested.
“But Bayern said, ‘We want you to be here, you’re important for us’. Of course, I was disappointed. Every player wants to play on the biggest stages.
“I have played for big teams, I know what it takes. I won many titles with Bayern Munich so I know how it is to be on the big stage. I’m really happy to have this opportunity.” LIVERPOOL have been fined £7,101 after fans threw objects and set off fireworks, amid crowd disturbances at their Champions League semi-final tie against Roma at Anfield in April.