Khedira hails ´great´ Mourinho

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has described Jose Mourinho as a ‘great man’ and is grateful to be at the club.

The Germany midfielder signed for Real from Stuttgart in 2010 and has so far amassed 116 appearances for the Spanish giants.

In an interview with Die Welt, Khedira spoke of his admiration for Mourinho and attributed his arrival at the club to the Portuguese tactician.

“Coming to Madrid was generally a fluke because I have come to the biggest club in the world,” the 25-year-old said.

“I have had the opportunity to develop alongside great players and a great coach. I have no intention of leaving the club.

“Mourinho was a crucial part of me being at Madrid. I am grateful. It has made me a better player.”

Mourinho’s men sit second in La Liga, 13 points behind Barcelona, but despite the fact it appears their title defence will be fruitless, Khedira refuted suggestions there was excessive tension in the dressing room.

“It is normal to have moments of disagreement or conflict,” he said.

“It’s always easy to judge someone when things go well, but in bad times people show their true character. And our coach has tried to help with all his might. Again, he has proved to be a great man.

“Don’t forget we have won three titles with him in two years.”