Sami Khedira confirms he will leave Real Madrid in the summer

Sami Khedira has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season when his five-year contract with the club comes to an end.

The announcement will come as no surprise for those who have followed the player’s saga in Spain over the past two seasons.

In November it was learned Madrid refused to renew the midfielder’s contract since the club felt slighted after Khedira’s refusal to accept a new deal last season. Rumors also surfaced stating officials believed the German international had lost his importance in the Madrid dressing room.

Khedira was once a fixture in Real Madrid’s starting eleven under former manager Jose Mourinho. However the combination of the player’s injuries and the club’s wealth of midfielding options (Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Isco, Asier Illaramendi and Lucas Silva) have left the German on the outside looking in.

Last month, it was reported Schalke 04 had entered the race to sign Khedira this summer, and the Bundesliga club appear to be the favorite to land the German midfielder.

There had been speculation Khedira had signed a pre-contract agreement with Bayern Munich, but all parties have denied that rumor.

In an interview with the German magazine Kicker, Khedira confessed this season would be his last in Madrid. However, the midfielder would give no indication as to where he plans to play in the future.

“It’s not a decision against Real Madrid,” the German international told Kicker. “I want to find new challenges for my career and continue to grow as a player.”

“I don’t have an agreement with any club nor any preferences as to who I would like to join.”

Despite what has been reported to be a poor relationship between the player and club, Khedira says he will look back on his time with Real Madrid favorably.

“For me, it was a magnificent moment in my life in a magnificent team,’ Khedira added.

“I will do everything I can to continue helping the team during the forthcoming weeks.”