Xherdan Shaqiri, the Swiss playmaker known for his dazzling footwork and impactful performances, has made a triumphant return to his roots. After a 12-year journey that took him through some of the biggest clubs in Europe, Shaqiri has signed a three-year contract with FC Basel, the club where his illustrious career began.
The announcement, made on Friday, was met with excitement from both the club and its passionate fanbase. In a statement titled “Welcome home, Shaq,” Basel expressed their delight at having Shaqiri back. The 32-year-old, who recently retired from international duty, shared his feelings of pride and joy, stating, “It fills me with pride and I am very happy that I can return to my hometown of FCB today. I have had a deep connection with the club and the region since I was a child. As a fan and of course as a player.”
Shaqiri’s journey with Basel began at the tender age of eight when he joined the youth team. He rose through the ranks, eventually playing three seasons for the senior team, winning the Swiss league title each year. His impressive performances earned him a move to Bayern Munich in 2012, marking the beginning of his international career. Over the following years, he donned the jerseys of prestigious clubs like Inter Milan, Stoke City, Liverpool, Lyon, and most recently, Chicago Fire. His contract with the American club was terminated by mutual agreement earlier this week, paving the way for his return to Basel.
Shaqiri boasts a trophy cabinet filled with prestigious titles. He secured the Champions League trophy with both Bayern Munich and Liverpool, and won league championships in Germany and England. While his international career has come to a close, Shaqiri’s impact on the Swiss national team will be remembered for years to come. He represented his country for 125 matches, placing him second on the all-time list behind his longtime teammate, Granit Xhaka. He scored 32 goals for Switzerland, including five goals at the World Cup and five at European Championships.
With his return to Basel, Shaqiri is looking forward to reconnecting with the club and fans who played a pivotal role in his development. His arrival is sure to inject a dose of excitement and experience into the Basel squad, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch.
