Stoke's Shaqiri targets debut against Spurs at weekend

Shaqiri signed a five-term deal at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday after the Potters agreed a 12 million pounds ($18.75 million) fee with Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Stoke's Shaqiri targets debut against Spurs at weekend

(Reuters)





"I can't wait to play my first game here because I am feeling really fit," the 23-year-old, who has also played for Bayern Munich, told the club's website (www.stokecityfc.com).

"I have done a lot of good quality work throughout the summer with my last team so I am feeling good and strong.

"The coach will make the final decision though, but first of all I need to meet my new teammates and work with them in training. I can't wait to play and score goals for this club."

Hughes said Shaqiri is "flying" fit, but would not be drawn on whether his star signing would feature at the weekend.

Shaqiri, who was part of the Bayern Munich squad that won the Champions League in 2013-14, said Stoke could improve on last season's ninth place finish -- the club's best-ever end to a Premier League campaign.

"I was at the game (against Liverpool) on Sunday, as you know, and I really enjoyed the game -- it was good. Yes, Stoke lost the game in the end, but I saw things that really encouraged me," he said.

"I am sure that we will continue to play good football and win many games, and who knows maybe we can finish in a higher position than last season. The potential is absolutely huge here."









(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; editing by Sudipto Ganguly)


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: Reuters


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world