Xherdan Shaqiri played for FC Bayern for two and a half years between 2012 and 2015, winning nine titles in this time. The most successful year was clearly 2013, when the German record champions clinched five trophies, winning the Champions League, the German championship, the DFB Cup, the UEFA Supercup and the FIFA Club World Cup. After spells at Inter Milan and Stoke City, Shaqiri joined Liverpool last summer, and now the 27-year-old will encounter FC Bayern in the Champions League last sixteen.
The Swiss international talked about his new club, Liverpool's goals and his return to Munich in the build-up to the two matches.
Xherdan Shaqiri interviewed
Shaq, what makes Liverpool so special?
Xherdan Shaqiri: The atmosphere at Anfield is very special. I played here with Stoke City in the last few years, and I noticed how the fans are here. The people give it everything for their club, the city lives for this club. It's fantastic to experience the atmosphere at this stadium, both for us players and for all spectators.
Liverpool last won the championship title 29 years ago!
Shaqiri: The hunger is correspondingly big at Liverpool. The club has developed superbly under Jürgen Klopp over the last few years. And now we're on a good track to achieve something great. I'm very glad I can play my part in that.
What was your reaction to the Champions League draw?
Shaqiri: I had wished for FC Bayern! Because I can finally return to my old home this way. I had two and a half great years in Munich. I haven't played there since my farewell at the beginning of 2015. It'll be a special match for me at the Allianz Arena.
You could have been handed easier opponents...
Shaqiri: Sure. But we knew we'd get top opponents after finishing second in our group. Now we have a chance to show how good we are, and that's what we have to do.
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