Sami Khedira has rubbished the suggestion that he is falling out of favour at Real Madrid, declaring that he wants to play with them for as long as possible.
The German has received slight criticism this season for his early performances, whilst there have also been reports that he is not necessarily the preferred choice for Jose Mourinho in midfield.
However, the player himself has spoken on the issue and believes that he still has the full backing of his boss.
“What Mourinho has said [about me] is that he thinks there are not many better placed than me [for Real Madrid’s midfield]. If the Coach had a bad opinion of me then it is clear that I would not remain a part of this squad or of the team. I want to show now that you can continue to count on me.
“I’m trying to take a greater influence on games and to exploit my offensive qualities better. During the first season with Real Madrid I did not score a goal and in the second I only scored four, but I am sure that I have not yet reached the limit of my potential.”
The player was asked of his start to the season that saw him dropped in favour of Lassana Diarra.
“I wasn’t happy because I wasn’t among the starters, but I am honest and have to admit that Diarra was in better shape than me.
“I was not at his level and was not able to play every three days. Now I am.
“Diarra has left the team and at any time we have had four or five defensive midfielders in recent years. This season we have Xabi Alonso, Michael Essien and me.
“I am happy with my contract that runs until 2015 and I would like to play as long as possible at Real Madrid. But, I will not know what level I am at when I am 33. I would also say that again some day to play in the Bundesliga would be interesting.”
However, for the time being his mind is on Real and on what they might be aiming for this year.
“Madrid have bigger targets each year. If this team wins something then the fans expect even more the following season.
“Lifting the Supercopa against Barcelona was a good sign, but the League is a different competition and we do not want to be left behind.
“Both the fans and the club are hungry for winning the 10th Champions League. That title was always my goal, but it would be wrong to talk about it now.”
