Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri has opened up about the 'dangerous calf injury' that kept him sidelined earlier this season, before going on to question why anybody would think that he'd want to leave Anfield.
The Swiss international made his first start of the season, and scored his first goal, against Everton as the Reds downed their Merseyside rivals 5-2 in a high-octane derby.
Despite his injury woes this season, he put in a performance of the highest quality against the Toffees, even though he'd played just 11 minutes of Premier League football this season before the game.
Shaqiri has now spoken in the aftermath of the game about his injury problems, revealing his delight at returning before admitting that he was thankful that his calf problem had not occurred in a more serious part of the body.
In quotes carried by the The Athletic, Shaqiri said: “I enjoyed it so much. It had been a long time and I really wanted to contribute. The coach gave confidence to some players like me who haven’t played a lot and I think we gave it back to him with a good performance.
“It’s tough being out, but this is football. Injuries are part of it and you just need to stay positive and do everything you can to get back as quickly as possible.
“With the calf, it’s very dangerous in terms of re-injury. You have to be careful not to rush things. I had a re-injury and that set me back but now I’m feeling fit and fresh.
The 28-year-old went on to recognise Jurgen Klopp's and the medical staff's faith in his ability, after the German boss opted to start Shaqiri in a game that fans consider to be one of the most important of the season.
“I worked so hard with the physios to get back to this level. We train with a lot of intensity and then try to bring that intensity into the match situations. But it’s not always the coach saying, ‘You have to go there and then you go there’. Sometimes it’s instinctive football and we’re able to express ourselves.
“I think the coach is very happy to have me back during such a busy period and I am ready for when he needs me,” he added. “Of course I want to play regularly but he decides who is playing and I always have to respect that"
Shaqiri also addressed rumours regarding his future, confirming that he's happy at the club and intends to honour the long contract he signed when joining from Stoke.
“I am very happy here. I think everyone can see that with how I played. I have a long contract (until June 2023) and I am focused only on Liverpool. It’s been a difficult time for me but I’m excited about the future. Why would I want to leave Liverpool?
"This is a special team and there’s a lot to achieve here.”
Source: 90min
