Sahin: La Decima pressures Madrid

Real Madrid owned Nuri Sahin believes that Borussia Dortmund may have the pressure-free advantage I the Champions League semi-finals.

Sahin, who is six months into an 18-month loan from Madrid to Dortmund, has looked ahead to next week’s Champions League semi-final reunion.

“I was at Madrid for a season and I managed to realise one of my childhood dreams,” began the Turkish international midfielder to AS today.

“Now the two teams are in the semi-finals and one of the two will be in the final at Wembley on May 25. So I can say that I have made the right decision in signing for both these clubs.

“The tie is open. The two teams like attractive and attacking football.

“Are Madrid favourites? Real Madrid have spent 10 years talking about and waiting for the 10th European Cup.

“In all the matches played at the Bernabeu, the fans end up singing songs about La Decima.

“It is another example of how important it is for them and what this competition means.

“But it also puts them under a lot of pressure. We do not have that pressure.”

Sahin failed to prove himself in a single season with Madrid, with playing time affected by a number of injuries.

“Of course I had other expectations for when I went to Madrid, but I was injured. I did not play well when I was able to with the team and the whole time I was injured Madrid were playing really well. And even when I was then available again.

“Now I see that my game is going better and better, I think I made the right choice in leaving. I learned a lot.

“I trained daily with the best in the world, including Cristiano, Benzema, Higuain…that really helped me improve my game.”

Tags Borussia Dortmund Sahin
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