"I could have been Juventus' number 10", Shaqiri: My Inter was poorly built, they took me there to be cured by a... shaman

2025-09-10 13:49:14Sport SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
"I could have been Juventus' number 10", Shaqiri: My Inter was
Xherdan Shaqiri

Xherdan Shaqiri, now a Basel player, has told "Gazzetta dello Sport" about his difficult experience at Inter:

"I arrived at one of the weakest black and blue teams of the last 15 years. We were a poorly built Inter, without balance and without champions. I was promised that I would play a lot, but I expected a different context. The group was good, although the atmosphere was often not positive. When you lose a lot of matches it is difficult".

Shaqiri recalled his relationship with Roberto Mancini: "I would tell him that he could activate me more (laughs), but I have a lot of respect for him as a coach."

He also told of an episode when he suffered an injury in Italy: "They took me to a shaman (traditional, mystical healer, not a doctor with a degree). They told me that he had also cured Ronaldo, the 'Phenomenon'. Mancini also suggested it to me. I traveled for an hour and a half, but it was a catastrophic experience, it was worthless to me."

Shaqiri has revealed that before signing with Inter, he could have played for Juventus.

"I could have been Juventus' number 10 a few years ago. They wanted me to replace Diego, who was an attacking midfielder there. I was at Bayern, I wasn't playing much and I was open to a transfer. But then nothing happened. I would have liked it at the time, now in Italy I support the Nerazzurri."

Shaqiri made his prediction about winning the Scudetto in the 2025/26 season, with particular reference to the chances of Inter, currently led by Cristian Chivu:

"How do I see Inter? Inter are a great team and as such they should always aim to win. They have kept all their stars and have strengthened, so they should go all the way in all competitions. It is true that there has been a change of coach, but I am convinced that they can win the Scudetto. San Siro is an added value. I remember it being a fantastic stadium, which is impressive when it is full."


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