Shaqiri Makes Emotional Return to FC Basel After MLS Stint, Aiming for Glory Again

Xherdan Shaqiri is set to make a triumphant return to FC Basel, the club where he began his illustrious footballing career, after a brief stint in Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire. The 32-year-old Swiss international has signed a three-year contract, successfully concluding negotiations that had been in the works for several weeks. Shaqiri’s departure from Chicago Fire was confirmed on Wednesday, when both parties announced they had mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Originally set to expire at the end of the 2024 MLS season, Shaqiri's exit marks the end of a chapter that began when he joined the Fire in February 2022, during which he received a staggering $8.15 million in guaranteed compensation, making him the highest-paid player in the league at that time. Expressing his excitement about returning to Basel, Shaqiri said, "It fills me with pride and I am very happy that I can return to my hometown of FCB today. I have had a deep connection with the club and the region since I was a child." His connection to Basel runs deep, having progressed through their academy and made a notable impact by scoring 23 goals in 130 appearances from 2009 to 2012, during which he helped the team secure three Swiss Super League titles. In the years that followed, Shaqiri's career took him to some of Europe’s top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Stoke City, Liverpool, and Lyon, where he honed his skills and achieved remarkable success, including winning league titles in England and Germany, as well as two UEFA Champions League trophies. He has also made a notable mark on the international stage, becoming Switzerland's second most capped player and scoring in major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship. Basel’s sporting director, Daniel Stucki, shared his enthusiasm regarding Shaqiri's return, highlighting the commitment shown by both the club and the player to make this signing a reality. "The fact that a player of his calibre is playing in red and blue again in the Super League is a strong signal to the club, the city of Basel, and the region, but also to Swiss football in general," said Stucki. He emphasized that the experience and class Shaqiri brings will significantly benefit the team moving forward. Shaqiri’s return to Basel not only symbolizes a reunion with his roots but also represents a strategic move for the club, aiming to bolster their competitive edge in the Swiss Super League. As he prepares to don the Basel jersey once again, fans are eagerly anticipating the impact he will have as he takes to the field at the iconic Joggeli stadium, reigniting the passion he has for both the club and its supporters.