Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri has insisted he always puts his ‘heart and soul’ into international duty contrary to what many some of him.
Shaqiri made his debut for Switzerland ten years ago aged just 18 and has gone on to make over 83 appearances since, featuring for them at both the World Cup and European Championships.
His relationship with the national team has not been a particularly healthy one, though, with him often receiving criticism or falling foul of the national media.
That, and several injuries, saw him recently go over a year without an appearance for his country before he featured against Spain three days ago.
He’s now opened up on his absence and says that there was never any question about his mentality.
“A lot was written. Most of it was very unnecessary, and a lot was misinterpreted,” he told Bieler Tagblatt.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I always put my heart and soul into it, and what I’ve already achieved for this national team.
“I’ve never had mental problems with it. I am very strong in the mental area and will be in the future.
“There are always ups and downs; I was also hurt a lot, which was the main reason why I was not there.”
Once the international break is over, Shaqiri will be returning to Liverpool to try and force his way back into Jürgen Klopp’s plans.
He had been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer after falling down the pecking order at the club.
Ultimately he ended up staying, though, recently revealing that he decided to stay at the club and fight for his place.
Now he admits he worried about the speculation, but his focus is on showing the levels he’s already given glimpses of during his two years at Liverpool.
“Enough has been written and said about it,” he added.
“In football, there is a lot of speculation, the players worry. I did this too, that’s normal.
“But I have decided to stay in Liverpool and will try to get back. To build on performances that I already showed at Liverpool.
“I don’t want to talk too much about it. I’m here for an international match against Germany, against a great team.”
