Xherdan Shaqiri, the Swiss international midfielder, has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Chicago Fire. This decision marks the end of Shaqiri’s tenure with the club, which began in 2022. The termination allows Shaqiri to become a free agent and explore new opportunities in his career.
- Shaqiri’s contract with Chicago Fire has been mutually terminated.
- He joined the club in 2022 and made significant contributions.
- Shaqiri is now a free agent and can sign with any club.
Shaqiri’s Tenure at Chicago Fire
During his time at Chicago Fire, Xherdan Shaqiri made notable contributions to the team. Despite his efforts, the club struggled to achieve significant success in the MLS.
🚨🇨🇭 Xherdan Shaqiri, available as free agent as he’s just terminated his contract at Chicago Fire.
Mutual agreement and Shaqiri, now able to pick his next club. https://t.co/Xuqf6dagkd
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 06, 2023
- Appearances: 75 matches (63 starts)
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 20
- Achievements: Despite his contributions, the team failed to make the MLS playoffs in 2022 and 2023 and was struggling in the 2024 season, sitting 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference.
Career Highlights and Statistics
Shaqiri’s career has seen him play for several top clubs across Europe and in the MLS. Here are some highlights:
- Lyon (2021-2022)
- Transfer Fee: Reported $7.5 million (club-record fee for Chicago Fire)
- Salary: $8.15 million per year, making him the top earner in MLS at the time of his signing.
- Liverpool (2018-2021)
- Appearances: 63
- Goals: 8
- Achievements: Part of the squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.
- Stoke City (2015-2018)
- Appearances: 84
- Goals: 15
- Inter Milan (2015)
- Appearances: 15
- Goals: 1
- Bayern Munich (2012-2015)
- Appearances: 52
- Goals: 11
- Achievements: Won the UEFA Champions League in 2013, Bundesliga titles, and DFB-Pokal.
- FC Basel (2009-2012)
- Appearances: 92
- Goals: 18
- Achievements: Multiple Swiss Super League titles.
International Career
Shaqiri has also had a distinguished international career with the Switzerland national team.
- Switzerland National Team
- Caps: 125
- Goals: 26
- Notable Achievements: Represented Switzerland in multiple FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships.
Quotes
- Georg Heitz, Chicago Fire Sporting Director: “After discussions with Xherdan, we have mutually agreed that parting ways is in the best interest of all parties. We thank him for his contributions to the Club and wish him success in the next chapter of his career.”
- Xherdan Shaqiri: “I believe this is the right time for me to explore new opportunities in my career. I want to thank the Club and the fans for their support during my time in Chicago. I wish the Fire nothing but success moving forward.”
Future Prospects
As a free agent, Shaqiri is now available to sign with any club. Given his extensive experience in top European leagues and international competitions, he is likely to attract interest from various clubs around the world.
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