Xherdan Shaqiri opens up about his Bayern Munich departure and takes a subtle swipe at Pep Guardiola, reflecting on his Champions League success with Liverpool.
Xherdan Shaqiri has opened up about his decision to leave Bayern Munich in 2015, admitting he has no regrets over the move. The Swiss winger also took a subtle jab at Pep Guardiola, Bayern’s then-coach, pointing to his subsequent success at Liverpool, where he won the Champions League just a year after departing the Bundesliga giants.
What Happened?
Shaqiri’s time at Bayern Munich was marked by struggles for consistent playing time, particularly after Guardiola took over as coach in 2013. Despite an impressive start at the club, the winger found himself sidelined in the 2014-15 season, and a lack of opportunities led him to seek a move in January 2015. His decision to leave for Inter Milan was a pivotal moment in his career, and Shaqiri believes it was the right one.
Reflecting on his exit, Shaqiri said:
“I don’t look back and regret any of my moves. I made every decision in my career with 100% conviction, and I think it worked out very well for me. For example, after my time at Bayern, I won the Champions League again with Liverpool, so it didn’t go too badly.”
A Subtle Dig at Guardiola
Though not directly critical, Shaqiri’s comments seem to hint at his difficult relationship with Guardiola, under whom he struggled to make an impact. His move away from Munich to Inter Milan and later to Liverpool allowed him to thrive, especially as part of the team that won Europe’s biggest prize in 2019.
Shaqiri’s Journey Post-Bayern
After his time at Bayern, Shaqiri’s career took him through Inter Milan, Stoke City, and Liverpool, where he enjoyed tremendous success, including the Champions League title. Following brief stints at Lyon and Chicago Fire, he returned to his boyhood club Basel in 2024, where he remains focused on winning more titles.
What’s Next for Shaqiri?
At 33, Shaqiri has no plans to slow down, even as he enters the twilight of his career. He told reporters:
“At Basel, we demonstrated last season how ambitious and hungry we are for titles. I feel the same way personally. I didn’t come back here to end my career, but to be as successful as possible with my hometown club and to win every title we have a chance of. And, of course, the big goal is to finally play in the Champions League again with Basel.”
