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Shaqiri backtracks on wantaway claims

ESPN staff
March 23, 2014
Xherdan Shaquiri has been heavily linked to Manchester United and Liverpool © AP
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Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri has stressed that he is not actively seeking to leave the club despite reports on the contrary.

Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has described Shaqiri as his "most important bench player", but the 22-year-old appears to be frustrated at his lack of starts for the European champions.

That has led to speculation of a move away, and the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool were put on red alert earlier this month when the Switzerland international's brother and agent, Erdin, admitted that he is open to offers.

He was then quoted as telling Swiss newspaper Blick: "When the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Inter Milan or other top clubs want to talk, then we will certainly listen to them."

The comments led to criticism in his homeland, with former Switzerland and Bayern player Ciriaco Sforza also telling the newspaper: "They don't like those things at Bayern. You could run into big trouble with the Bayern family."

Shaqiri has now moved to clarify his position, even if he is still not ruling out a transfer away from the Allianz Arena.

"I never said I want to leave," the former Basel man was quoted as telling the SID news agency. "I'm very happy in Munich and I'm not thinking about leaving.

"My brother's opinion was written a bit differently to what he actually said. But, of course, if a top club comes in, then you've got to consider it - but every player is like that."

Shaqiri appeared for the final 17 minutes of Bayern's 2-0 win at Mainz on Saturday, making his 15th appearance of the campaign.

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