Xherdan Shaqiri took part in his first training session after completing his move to Inter Milan from Bayern Munich, the 23-year-old signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Serie A squad.
The Swiss international had been linked with multiple Premier League teams including Liverpool, Stoke and Everton.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to wish Shaqiri a very warm welcome,” a Inter statement read. “We would also like to thank FC Bayern Munich and the FIGC for their help in completing the deal positively and quickly.”
Goal.com reported that Liverpool bid €20 million for the midfielder, but he turned it down, favoring a move to Milan.
And why you ask?
One major reason appears to be the presence of Roberto Mancini as a manager.
“I’m very happy to be here at Inter,’ Shaqiri told Sky Sport Italia. ‘Our target is the Champions League, for sure. I don’t want to talk of Bayern Munich, I’m just glad to be here and I want to meet my objectives with Inter.”
"[Coach Roberto] Mancini called me, he wanted me very strongly. I’m happy to be working with him.”
Despite being revered for his exceptional pace, vision and finishing ability, which was all fairly evident at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Shaqiri failed to serve as a regular in Bayern’s starting XI. He made 52 appearances and netted 11 goals over almost three years with FCB.
A new scene at Inter may help Shaqiri regain some of his confidence, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Mancini had specific plans to employ the former FC Basel star.