Xherdan Shaqiri has alerted a host of Premier League clubs after confirming his preference is to stay in England when he leaves Stoke City this summer.
The Switzerland international is likely to be among a host of high-profile departures from the Bet365 Stadium this summer after the Potters dropped into the Championship.
Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have both been linked with a move for the ex-Bayern Munich winger, according to reports in his Swiss homeland.
More: Football
And the 26-year-old had provided both clubs with a boost in their pursuit by suggesting he wants to remain in the English top flight beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
Advertisement Advertisement
It is no secret that I will leave the club, he told Aargauer Zeitung. I think the [Premier] league is perfect for me.
I would love to stay in England but I dont want to rule anything out. Its the best league with the best players.
You can never get enough of that. Everyone always wants to compete with the best.
And most people know, that I do not tick it otherwise. That too was one reason why I chose the Premier League. And thats why I want to take the next step now.
Until Shaqiris future is finalised, his focus will be on inspiring a Switzerland team aiming to spring a surprise at the World Cup.
Vladimir Petkovics side have been drawn with five-time winners Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E and face an uphill task to reach the knock-out phase.
An impressive performance in their qualifying group – where they won nine games out of 10 but were eventually edged out by Portugal – and victory in the play-off over Northern Ireland has raised expectations ahead of the tournament.
And Shaqiri believes his side could be the team to watch in Russia and match their best ever World Cup performance, having reached the quarter-finals in 1934, 1938 and 1954.
I hope we show good, great performances. Then we have the chance to make a difference in this World Cup.
First of all, to survive the group – Brazil, Serbia, Costa Rica and us – this is one of the toughest groups in this World Cup!
More: Tottenham Hotspur FC
What can I say? We want to evolve, thats the goal. Thats the nature of every team.
Advertisement Advertisement
So far we have made it to the round of 16. If we want to achieve something bigger, we have to come to the quarterfinals.
But, you just can not generalise that. Lets put it this way: If a lot fits, we can become a surprise team of the tournament.
Advertisement Advertisement
Xherdan Shaqiri has alerted a host of Premier League clubs after confirming his preference is to stay in England when he leaves Stoke City this summer.
The Switzerland international is likely to be among a host of high-profile departures from the Bet365 Stadium this summer after the Potters dropped into the Championship.
Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have both been linked with a move for the ex-Bayern Munich winger, according to reports in his Swiss homeland.
More: Football
And the 26-year-old had provided both clubs with a boost in their pursuit by suggesting he wants to remain in the English top flight beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
Advertisement Advertisement
It is no secret that I will leave the club, he told Aargauer Zeitung. I think the [Premier] league is perfect for me.
I would love to stay in England but I dont want to rule anything out. Its the best league with the best players.
You can never get enough of that. Everyone always wants to compete with the best.
And most people know, that I do not tick it otherwise. That too was one reason why I chose the Premier League. And thats why I want to take the next step now.
Until Shaqiris future is finalised, his focus will be on inspiring a Switzerland team aiming to spring a surprise at the World Cup.
Vladimir Petkovics side have been drawn with five-time winners Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica in Group E and face an uphill task to reach the knock-out phase.
An impressive performance in their qualifying group – where they won nine games out of 10 but were eventually edged out by Portugal – and victory in the play-off over Northern Ireland has raised expectations ahead of the tournament.
And Shaqiri believes his side could be the team to watch in Russia and match their best ever World Cup performance, having reached the quarter-finals in 1934, 1938 and 1954.
I hope we show good, great performances. Then we have the chance to make a difference in this World Cup.
First of all, to survive the group – Brazil, Serbia, Costa Rica and us – this is one of the toughest groups in this World Cup!
More: Tottenham Hotspur FC
What can I say? We want to evolve, thats the goal. Thats the nature of every team.
Advertisement Advertisement
So far we have made it to the round of 16. If we want to achieve something bigger, we have to come to the quarterfinals.
But, you just can not generalise that. Lets put it this way: If a lot fits, we can become a surprise team of the tournament.
Advertisement Advertisement
