Xherdan Shaqiri Leaves Chicago Fire

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Fire has announced the mutual termination of midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri's contract, a move that opens up senior and international roster spots for the struggling team. Currently positioned near the bottom of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, the Fire aims to revitalize its roster as the season progresses. Shaqiri, 32, joined the Fire in February 2022 as a designated player from Olympique Lyonnais, where he made a significant impact with 16 goals and 20 assists in 75 matches. This season, he contributed two goals and two assists in 12 appearances, but the team’s overall performance has been disappointing, with a record of 6 wins, 12 losses, and 7 draws, totaling 25 points. In a statement on the club's website, sporting director Georg Heitz expressed gratitude for Shaqiri's contributions and emphasized that the decision to part ways was in the best interest of all involved. The announcement featured a photo of Shaqiri with the message, “Thank you, Shaq,” highlighting the appreciation from the organization. Shaqiri also expressed his gratitude towards the club and its fans, stating that he believes it is the right time to seek new opportunities in his career. This decision marks a significant moment for both the player and the Fire as they look to move forward in the current MLS season.