Xherdan Shaqiri admits he needed little persuading to leave Lyon for Chicago Fire.

The 30-year-old moved from Liverpool last summer in search of more regular game time, of which he may find with a move to the United States.

"The league [MLS] is getting better and better," he told a press conference on Monday. "For me, it's a good league.

"I wanted to go away from France and the opportunity came. George [Heitz], like I said before, we were always in touch and in contact with my brother, who is my agent.

"I was thinking a lot, of course, but George came with a big project and I was really excited."

Shaqiri has taken one of the designated player slots in the Chicago Fire squad, therefore his wages won't count towards the salary cap in the MLS.