« I don’t want to say much about Lyon »

Xherdan Shaqiri has been officially introduced by his new club, Chicago Fire. The Swiss international wants to relaunch his career in MLS after his brief failed spell at Lyon.

Expectations are high on the part of fans and officials of the club based in Illinois. Shaqiri, who arrived on site on Friday, has already participated in his first training sessions. The Basel should be the star of his team.

Win the title

“My goal is clear. I want to go to the play-off with the club and win the title,” said the 30-year-old Swiss player. « With my experience, I want to give young players confidence on the pitch, but also off it, » he added, taking on a de facto leadership role.

Shaqiri did not want to dwell on the reasons which led him to leave Lyon after only six months. « I don’t want to say much about Lyon, I’m more happy to talk about Chicago, » he said, before specifying that he was not on the same wavelength as the coach. of OL Peter Bosz, “on a tactical and personal level.”

winner mentality

Chicago sporting director Georg Heitz was instrumental in bringing his compatriot to MLS. He highlighted Shaqiri’s winning mentality. “We lacked such a personality,” he said.

Coach Ezra Hendrickson is already won over by his new number 10. “The first training sessions with him were the best during this preparation for the season.”

Shaqiri could therefore make his first appearance for his new club on Saturday when the championship opens. Chicago Fire will move on the lawn of Inter Miami, David Beckham’s club.

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