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Liverpool new boy Xherdan Shaqiri hit back at his critics as he vowed to repay Jurgen Klopp's faith in signing him.

The Switzerland international, who completed a £13million move to Anfield earlier this month, believes he's been unfairly castigated since Stoke City's relegation from the Premier League.

Potters team-mate Charlie Adam, who flopped during his short spell at Liverpool in 2011/12, labelled Shaqiri a “so called big player” who “never turned up”.

The 26-year-old attacker, who top scored for Stoke with eight Premier League goals and contributed the most assists with seven, insists his conscience is clear.

“I think my score points speak for themselves,” Shaqiri said.

“I was the top scorer in the team with goals and assists, so I don’t have to say any more. For me, it’s clear.

“I think everybody knows that (I was the best player). For me, I don’t listen to what other people say.”

Pundits also weighed in during the World Cup with Gary Neville labelling him “unprofessional” and Phil Neville branding him “a disgrace”.

“They were Man United players, maybe they don't like Liverpool,” he smiled at the Reds' team hotel in New Jersey.

“I don't know, it could be. Some people like you, some people don't like you. I don't want to comment on what is said by people I don't know.”

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Shaqiri knows he is rated highly by those who matter most – Klopp and Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards.

He revealed that his agent had remained in contact with the Reds since a proposed move to Anfield fell through four years ago.

Shaqiri held talks with Brendan Rodgers in May 2014 but Bayern Munich refused to do business and he ended staying put before joining Inter Milan the following January.

“I am really happy to be here finally,” he said.

“Everybody knows that a few years ago I wanted to come here but for some reasons it didn't work out. Finally, I am a Liverpool player.

“I spoke to Brendan at that time before the World Cup. He called me and I was interested but Bayern blocked the move. They didn't want to sell me at that time. They said ‘we want you to be here, you are important for us’.

“Of course I was disappointed after. To be honest, my brother is my agent and since then he has always been in contact with the sporting director here.

“Every player wants to play on the biggest stages in football. I have played for big teams. I know what it takes.

“I won many titles with Bayern Munich so I know how it is to be on the big stage. I am really happy to have this opportunity.”

“I cut short my holiday to sign for Liverpool because I just wanted to get it done.”

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Prior to his three seasons at Stoke, the man nicknamed the 'Alpine Messi' came up against Klopp in Germany.

Shaqiri won two Bundesliga crowns with Bayern and the Champions League in 2013 when they beat Klopp's Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.

“I have admired Jurgen Klopp for a long time because his teams play fantastic football and he is a fantastic person,” he said.

“It is important for me to work with him and with people who communicate well with good character.

“We have spoken about my role. He likes me as a player and as you know, the coach doesn’t take any players for nothing.

“He knows my qualities, he has known me a long time. I can play all positions across the front. Versatility helps the team."

Shaqiri is keen to start the next chapter in his career after an eventful World Cup in Russia. He helped Switzerland reach the last 16 with a dramatic winner against Serbia but ended up getting hit with a hefty fine by FIFA.

The Kosovar-Albanian, who grew up in Basel, was accused of making a political gesture during his celebrations by crossing his hands to represent the double-headed eagle flag of Albania.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“It was a very emotional game for everybody, that's all I can say,” he said.

Now Shaqiri is looking to the future with relish. He has joined a squad which reached the Champions League final back in May and is keen to help take Liverpool to the next level.

"The most important thing is to go to the last limit and to try to do the small things that will help us win titles," he added.

"They were very close last season. I hope this season we can go through and improve the small things that we need. I hope that we can get it this year.

"You can see with the transfers that we want to go forward. We want to achieve something and win titles. First of all we want to play good football - that is the most important thing."