BASEL, Switzerland -- Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri returned to FC Basel on Friday, 12 years after leaving the club where he began his career.
Basel announced in a statement titled "Welcome home, Shaq" that Shaqiri had penned a three-year deal. The Swiss club also posted a video on social media.
"It fills me with pride and I am very happy that I can return to my hometown of FCB today," Shaqiri said. "I have had a deep connection with the club and the region since I was a child. As a fan and of course as a player.
"I completed my football training in Basel and was then able to launch my international career. Now I want to attack again with FCB and I can hardly wait to see our fans again."