Basel superstar Xherdan Shaqiri has spoken about his difficult childhood, luxury, popularity and his biggest dream – to win the title with Basel as captain. He has also spoken about his character.
"On the field, I am undoubtedly a passionate Albanian - with emotions. However, in everyday life I am very Swiss: punctual, reliable. I think I combine both mentalities," Shaqiri told "Blue Sport" on Wednesday.
Shaqiri, 33, was born in Gjilan and raised in Switzerland. The Shaqiri family settled in Augst, Switzerland, in 1992. He has regularly spoken in interviews about his love for his homeland, Kosovo.
Shaqiri, as a 17-year-old, participated in the Kosovo youth camp held from 1 to 3 December 2008 in Basel. But he only played for Switzerland during his career. He had an impressive career with the national team, and is the only player to have scored goals in the last six major events, three World Cups and three European Championships.
He has played 125 matches for Switzerland, scoring 32 goals. Each of his goals was more beautiful and more important than the next. But the goals scored against Serbia, in Russia and Qatar, have made Shaqiri win even more the hearts of many Albanian fans.
He has spoken about his difficult childhood.
"Childhood shaped me a lot. We were all born in Kosovo, except for my sister. We had a difficult childhood. We grew up in an old house - without good heating. This had a big impact on me. If you have a lot of things today, the past helps you stay grounded," Shaqiri said.
For Shaqiri, health is important.
"Luxury is good, but not the most important thing. For me, health is the most important thing. I am a down-to-earth person – like my family. I like to live close to reality," says Shaqiri.
Shaqiri is leading Basel to the title. They finished the regular season in first place. They start the playoffs six points ahead of the first runner-up.
"My dream and my goal is a title with Basel as captain."
Basel, who have been waiting for the title since 2017, are also in the semi-finals of the Cup. In this stage, they face Lausanne. The final is on June 1.
Shaqiri has scored 14 goals and contributed 17 assists in 29 league appearances for Basel.