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Xherdan Shaqiri claims he is still losing sleep over Stoke City’s relegation from the Premier League.

The Swiss international is likely to be one of several star players to leave the club in the summer, but insists he has enjoyed his time in the Potteries… and learned plenty in the process.

He told The Sun: “I will always be thankful to Stoke as my time with them has been the most educational spell of my career.

“I’ve been able to establish myself in the Premier League, and the club stood by me even when things didn’t go well for me.

“Above all I’ve learned how to defend properly. Previously, I always played for teams that were set up to attack in Basel, Bayern and Inter.

“I have matured as a person as well as a player. That is the reason I have provided more goals and assists than before - although I’d have sooner got one less and we’d stayed up.”

Shaqiri scored eight goals for the Potters last season , but was unable to stop them dropping out of the Premier League.

He added: “No-one is perfect. I didn’t play well in every game, and all of us - players, staff and management - made mistakes.

“I’m not sleeping well at the moment. I feel sorry for the Stoke fans, the club and the people who work for it.

“It's now important for Stoke to draw lessons from the season so they can hopefully return to the Premier League as soon as possible. With the support they enjoy, that is where they belong.”

As for his own future, Shaqiri makes no secret of the fact he is looking to move on… and he’s aiming high. The 26-year-old is reported to have a £12m release clause in his contract - the fee Stoke paid Inter Milan to sign him in 2015 - in the event of relegation, making him an attractive proposition for clubs home and abroad.

He explained: “You'll understand that I can't talk about what is written in my contract. But it is important for me to find a club where the manager and directors all want me to sign.

(Image: Malcolm Hart)

“It will be all the better if this club is playing in Europe. It is any footballer’s great aim to play in the Champions League.”

Spurs are the current favourites to land Shaqiri, but Roma are also believed to be interested in the Swiss World Cup star after asking about his availability in January.

He added: “There were a few enquiries then, but I wanted to finish the season with Stoke at all costs and help them achieve their aims.

“Besides, I had a bad experience when I joined Inter in mid-season. Enough has been said about that, and it is a closed chapter for me.

“But Serie A is an attractive league. Top players move to Italy every year - and so right now I'm not ruling anything out.”