Khedira speaks up about decision to leave Real Madrid

Sami Khedira will not renew his contract at Real Madrid this summer, the Germany midfielder revealed to German sports magazine "kicker" on Thursday. The World Cup winner said he was enduring a season to forget but that his desire for change is less about Real Madrid and more about a new challenge.

"This is not a decision against Real, I just want to spice up my career and evolve. I am sad and angry about this season. It is not satisfactory considering my ambitions, and I am the one who is most upset about it," Khedira told the magazine.

The 27-year-old - who wore the captain's armband in Germany's 2-2 draw with Australia on Wednesday - joined Real in 2010 from Bundesliga side, VfB Stuttgart. This season he has featured in only 17 games, 10 of them as a starter, after being sidelined for almost half of 2014 with a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

Khedira has already met with representatives from Bundesliga side Schalke, while Wolfsburg is also interested. Clubs from Italy and England - including Chelsea, with their head coach Jose Mourinho under whom Khedira played at Real from 2010 to 2013 - are also reported to be keen on signing the German.

Either way, Khedira said he won't be rushed into a decision. "The name of the club and the bank account balance are not relevant for me but rather the plan for the next years. I want to help shape (a team) and lead young players," he said.

"Until the last day of my contract, I will give everything for this jersey. I love Real Madrid and it will be hard for me to leave this club," added the midfielder.

jh/al (dpa,afp)