Liverpool sign Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke

Shaqiri puts pen to paper on his Liverpool contract [Photo: Courtesy]

Liverpool have signed Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke in a £13million deal.

The Swiss midfielder moves to Anfield on a five-year contract following the Potters' relegation to the Championship.

"I’m very happy to be here. It’s a huge club with big history, big players and a fantastic coach. So I’m really glad and happy to be here," he said.

“As a player you always want to be on the biggest stage in football. A few years ago I wanted to come too but it didn’t happen.

The Swiss international has penned a long-term deal at Anfield [Photo: Courtesy]

"I’m really happy that now I’m finally here. I want to improve myself too, I want to be with the best and I want to win titles. That’s what I’m here for.”

The 26-year-old spent three seasons with Stoke following a switch to the Premier League from Inter Milan.

He made 92 appearances for the Potters scoring 15 goals.

The Swiss international has penned a long-term deal at Anfield [Photo: Courtesy]

Shaqiri previously played for FC Basel and Bayern Munich and has 21 goals in 74 appearances for his country.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp described the signing of Shaqiri as a 'no-brainer'.

“I think the English phrase to explain the decision to sign Xherdan is a ‘no-brainer’," Klopp told Liverpool’s website. "When someone like him becomes available in this way you have to react if you are smart – and we have.

“He has speed and ability, has the right amount of arrogance on the football pitch, real bravery to want the ball and influence things. To play for us these are mandatory requirements.

“We are the perfect move for him in this moment as well I think, because he needs to push himself and challenge himself and our environment encourages that.

"We will want him to express himself but also learn and improve the areas of his game where he can still make progression.

“From our perspective, he is someone who makes a big difference to the squad and team, because he can fit in so many positions in our system. He gives us greater flexibility in how we can use our current players also. This is cool.

“I know him well from his time in Switzerland and especially Germany – I have been a long-time admirer.

Shaqiri made 92 appearances for the Potters scoring 15 goals [Photo: Courtesy]

"But the added bonus now is that he knows the Premier League and what it takes to perform in this uniquely intense environment. He also did really well at the World Cup – so he comes to us full of belief and confidence.

“Finally, Xherdan the person will fit in perfectly at Liverpool I believe. He has personality and drive – he is someone who will feed off the positive emotion of our crowd.

"He joins a dressing room of really good lads and I know they will welcome him with open arms and help him settle and integrate quickly.”