New Liverpool signing Xherdan Shaqiri has dismissed criticism from former Manchester United defenders Gary and Phil Neville.
Shaqiri signed for Liverpool from Stoke City earlier this month after the Reds triggered a reported £13.5m release clause in his contract after the Potters were relegated from the Premier League last season.
The Switzerland international trained with his new Liverpool teammates for the first time in New Jersey on Wednesday and he said that his conscience was clear after former United captain Gary Neville said that he was ‘unprofessional’ at Stoke while brother Phil called him a ‘disgrace’.
“They were Man United players. Maybe they don’t like Liverpool!” Shaqiri said of the Neville brothers’ criticism [via The Guardian].
“I don’t know, it could be that. Some people like you, some people don’t like you. I don’t want to comment on what is said by people I don’t know.
“I think my stats speak for themselves. I was the top scorer in the team with goals and assists last season so I don’t have to say any more. My conscience is clear. I think everybody knows that [I was the best player].”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that the signing of Shaqiri was a ‘no-brainer’ for the Reds and that this was the perfect move for him at this stage of his career.
“I think the English phrase to explain the decision to sign Xherdan is a ‘no-brainer’. When someone like him becomes available in this way you have to react if you are smart – and we have,” the manager told Liverpoolfc.com.
“He has speed and ability, has the right amount of arrogance on the football pitch, real bravery to want the ball and influence things. To play for us these are mandatory requirements.
“We are the perfect move for him in this moment as well I think, because he needs to push himself and challenge himself and our environment encourages that. We will want him to express himself but also learn and improve the areas of his game where he can still make progression.
“From our perspective, he 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. This is cool.
“I know him well from his time in Switzerland and especially Germany – I have been a long-time admirer. 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.
“Finally, Xherdan the person will fit in perfectly at Liverpool I believe. He has personality and drive – he is someone who will feed off the positive emotion of our crowd. He joins a dressing room of really good lads and I know they will welcome him with open arms and help him settle and integrate quickly.”
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