Shaqiri: I do not like being compared to Ribery

Oct 28, 2012 2:00:00 PM

The Switzerland star has made clear that he feels uneasy when the public is likening him to the French winger, and insisted that he wants to make his name with his own style

Bayern Munich attacker Xherdan Shaqiri has stated that he does not like being compared to team-mate Franck Ribery.

The former Basel player, who has already started three leagues games for his club, is likely to deputise for the injured Frenchman in the Bavarians' clash with Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Sunday.

While admitting that Ribery is an outstanding model and a world-class player, Shaqiri made clear that he is keen on developing his own style of football.

"On the pitch, I can learn a lot from him. His unpredictability is unique. I like that a lot. But generally I don't like to compare myself to others. I am myself and not Ribery or anyone else," Shaqiri told Bild.

"I think that so far, they [Bayern Munich] are very satisfied [with my performances]. I certainly am. I think that [coach] Jupp Heynckes cannot look past me. That's why he gave me a lot of match time already."

"Twelve points is a nice cushion. I like that Dortmund have to look up on us from below. But there are many games left and a 12-point advantage right now is not yet enough for the championship."

Finally, Shaqiri shed some light on how he achieved his extraordinary physique, insisting that his muscularity is hereditary.

"I'm never in the weight room. I never do push-ups at home. My father looked like this, I'm naturally this way."

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