27-year-old Sami Khedira has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu in recent months with Chelsea and most notably Arsenal credited with interest. Khedira is yet to make a La Liga start this season, with only four appearances as a substitute, but has been told by Ancelotti he will have a bigger role towards the end of the season.
It has been enough to convince the Germany international to stay and he admits he has no intention of leaving when the transfer window opens in January.
“Right now, I cannot see any reason why I would leave the club this winter,” he told Kicker magazine. “Real Madrid is a great club to be at. This club has a place in my heart and there is absolutely no reason for me to say that I want to or have to leave. “I get the feeling I am still wanted (by coach Carlo Ancelotti).” Khedira is yet to sign a new deal with Real Madrid and could leave the club on a free when his contract expires in the summer.
What with Khedira’s faith in Antelotti, Spain centre-back Sergio Ramod expressed the harmony within the camp. Ramos helped Real win La Decima last term as they lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time in 12 years.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have started this season strongly and are currently top of La Liga after 11 games, two points ahead of Barcelona. Ramos says the Italian coach should be praised for his work at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he has instilled a new sense of squad unity and happiness.
“Maybe the dressing room is more united than it was two years ago,” Ramos told Radio Marca. “I don’t want to take any personal credit though, as those of us who have been with the club the longest try to create as good an atmosphere as possible so the new players don’t have any additional problems.
“We are always there to help and it’s true the atmosphere is the healthiest and most relaxed it’s been for a long time.” Ramos also praised Ancelotti for his work in solving problems within the Real Madrid squad, many of which were heavily publicised during Jose Mourinho’s time in charge.
“Besides being a great person he has brought a calmness and stability that has got rid of any controversy outside the dressing room,” Ramos added. “He’s been able to deal with any type of player, any kind of problem, which you can all see, and he makes very calm statements while rarely giving a headline.”
Antelotti’s side face Eibar after the international break where both Ramos and Khedira will certainly hope to feature.
Arsenal are not after Khedira and never have been. It’s more journalistic fantasy.