Xherdan Shaqiri admits his impact with Inter has been “a little crazy,” but is glad he chose them rather than Liverpool.
The Swiss international completed the transfer from Bayern Munich this week and is expected to make his debut coming off the bench against Genoa today.
“It's been a little crazy,” he told Blick in Switzerland. “When I came out of the airport, I was struck by all those people. I never expected a reception like that.
Xherdan Shaqiri admits his impact with Inter has been “a little crazy,” but is glad he chose them rather than Liverpool.
The Swiss international completed the transfer from Bayern Munich this week and is expected to make his debut coming off the bench against Genoa today.
“It's been a little crazy,” he told Blick in Switzerland. “When I came out of the airport, I was struck by all those people. I never expected a reception like that.
“I had to make sure I wasn’t knocked over, a very delicate situation for the security guards. But it was also incredibly beautiful. When I arrived in Munich in 2012, it was in a car and a maximum of two, three reporters were there.”
Shaqiri insisted this move was “not a step back. Inter are a top club for me. Many legends played here and we’ll achieve great success again. I just felt when talking to Roberto Mancini that he is the man who can take me further.
“He wanted me at all costs and is a winner. I also got many titles with Bayern, so Mancini and I both came to Inter to win a great deal.”
Shaqiri had been very close to joining Liverpool, but opted for the Nerazzurri and revealed Mancini was a decisive factor.
“In the end I had a lot of options, very lucrative offers. And I was on the phone with very many Coaches who talked to me about their ideas … But just I felt that Inter did most to get me. My gut feeling was with Inter.
“I had wanted to join Liverpool over the summer, but Bayern would not agree to it. That was not easy for me, but I had to accept it. That’s why I am glad that it has worked out with this move in the winter.
“Even if we are still in the bottom half of the table, we must try with all their might to reach third place. Thus, we have the opportunity to come into the Champions League.
“The long-term goal – yes I have a contract until 2019 – is to regain the title. I've read that Lothar Matthäus came to Inter in 1988 when the club hadn’t won for a long time and in 1989 they became champions – I'm assuming it’s a good omen.
“The beauty of the city of Milan certainly played a role, but I’m looking forward to the food and fashion. First and foremost what attracted me was the sport and all the crazy tifosi.”
Image via @robymancio