Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has opened the door on the Premier League. ‘I have worked with fitness coaches to get ready for a higher pace and intensity.”
The Bianconeri midfielder arrived from Real Madrid in July 2015 and has since played 145 competitive games for the Italian giants.
But the 33-year-old seems further and further away from the Old Lady and has been left out since Andrea Pirlo replaced Maurizio Sarri as head coach.
Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has opened the door on the Premier League. ‘I have worked with fitness coaches to get ready for a higher pace and intensity.”
The Bianconeri midfielder arrived from Real Madrid in July 2015 and has since played 145 competitive games for the Italian giants.
But the 33-year-old seems further and further away from the Old Lady and has been left out since Andrea Pirlo replaced Maurizio Sarri as head coach.
The German, however, has always rejected the proposals from Juventus to terminate the contract but now he seems set to leave the club in January.
Khedira spoke about his time at Juventus and his current situation, admitting that he still enjoys to arrive at Continassa and the people at the Bianconeri.
“There are always ups and downs in every player’s careers,” Khedira told The Athletic. “I don’t know anyone who’s always on the up. Do you?
“When I moved here from Real Madrid in 2015, I never thought I’d stay this long. Finding a club that makes you this happy and satisfied was a blessing, and I only have positive feelings about the time I’ve spent here.
“It sounds weird but even now, I love driving to the training ground every day because it’s so much fun being able to work with these amazing people and big personalities.
“Winning trophies is one thing. But when you leave, you think about the people you’ve met along the way, they’re the ones that stick in your mind. They’ve been immense.”
Khedira has been capped 77 times by Germany and won the World Cup in 2014 with Die Mannschaft, adding to an impressive collection as champion in Germany, Spain and Italy with Stuttgart, Real Madrid and Juventus respectively.
He picked up the Champions League in 2013-14 with Los Blancos and has won the FIFA Club World Cup twice with the Spanish giants.
The 33-year-old admitted he’s living ‘an unusual’ situation, being left out of the Juventus squad, but despite his lack of playing time, the German revealed he is still involved.
“It’s unusual for me, and I’m not satisfied,” he added.
“I’m a competitive guy, I want to play. But I have adjusted to the situation and try to make the most of it.
“I’m part of match-day preparation and video analysis. I see myself as a bit of a mentor for the younger players. I’m keeping my energy levels and motivation high.
“But at the end of the day, I want to be on the pitch and fight for points. That’s why I’m trying to change the situation or leave Turin to do what I enjoy most: playing football.”
Khedira admitted he would like a move to the Premier League and has recently been linked with Everton, where he could reunite with former coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The veteran expects to be ready for such a challenge and said he has kept working hard to cope with the ‘higher pace and intensity’ he needs to play in England.
“The Premier League is still missing in my collection, to play there would be the icing on the cake,” he continued.
“There are fewer breaks in the game and many counter-attacks, but this is what I like. I’ve done a lot of extra sessions with fitness coaches to get myself ready for a higher pace and intensity."