Khedira: "Playing for Juve is an honour"

DFB.de: You were at Real for a number of years. Did that make leaving easier or harder?

Khedira: The situation is similar to the one that faced me when I moved to Madrid. I don’t have much time to see the city but I’m looking forward to having a bit more freedom soon. The lads have given me a few tips already. It wasn’t too difficult to adapt to be honest – I already knew some of the guys and I played with Álvaro Morata at Real. There are plenty of parallels – the clubs are family oriented. Everyone helps each other, which I think helps contribute to success.

DFB.de: What are your first thoughts on Turin? And has settling in been easy?

Khedira: Juve is a fantastic club. There’s a lot of tradition here but also a promising future. They are among the best sides in Europe for a reason. I’m confident that we’ll be able to challenge for big titles here.

Sami Khedira: They’re both big clubs – just looking at past players and previous successes tells you that. Haller, Platini, Zidane, Nedved, Del Piero, Baggio and Pirlo have all been here. It’s an honour to be here. There are obviously some differences but they aren’t that big to be honest. It probably helps that I worked with Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid so I know how Italian coaches operate.

DFB.de: Mr. Khedira, what are the similarities and differences between Real Madrid and Juventus?

After five years with Real Madrid, World Cup winner Sami Khedira moved to Italy this summer to join Juventus. Having made his competitive debut for the club in the Champions League this week, he could feature in Serie A for the first time this evening (18:00 CEST). DFB.de spoke to the 28-year-old about leaving Spain, his new life in Italy and the future.

After five years with Real Madrid, World Cup winner Sami Khedira moved to Italy this summer to join Juventus. Having made his competitive debut for the club in the Champions League this week, he could feature in Serie A for the first time this evening (18:00 CEST). DFB.de spoke to the 28-year-old about leaving Spain, his new life in Italy and the future.

DFB.de: Mr. Khedira, what are the similarities and differences between Real Madrid and Juventus?

Sami Khedira: They’re both big clubs – just looking at past players and previous successes tells you that. Haller, Platini, Zidane, Nedved, Del Piero, Baggio and Pirlo have all been here. It’s an honour to be here. There are obviously some differences but they aren’t that big to be honest. It probably helps that I worked with Carlo Ancelotti in Madrid so I know how Italian coaches operate.

DFB.de: Why did you choose to join Juve?

Khedira: Juve is a fantastic club. There’s a lot of tradition here but also a promising future. They are among the best sides in Europe for a reason. I’m confident that we’ll be able to challenge for big titles here.

DFB.de: What are your first thoughts on Turin? And has settling in been easy?

Khedira: The situation is similar to the one that faced me when I moved to Madrid. I don’t have much time to see the city but I’m looking forward to having a bit more freedom soon. The lads have given me a few tips already. It wasn’t too difficult to adapt to be honest – I already knew some of the guys and I played with Álvaro Morata at Real. There are plenty of parallels – the clubs are family oriented. Everyone helps each other, which I think helps contribute to success.

DFB.de: You were at Real for a number of years. Did that make leaving easier or harder?

Khedira: Moving on is never easy, but at least the decision was in my own hands. Whilst I was injured I gave my future a lot of thought and I decided that I wanted to try something new as it would be good for me as a player, but also as a person. I wanted a new challenge.

DFB.de: How will you remember your time in Madrid?

Khedira: Obviously the titles will stay with me but I think I’ll remember the people the most. It was great to get know new people at the club but also away from it. I was able to life a different sort of life there and I’m happy that I was able to experience it.

DFB.de: And how will they remember you?

Khedira: As a professional and fair player. I liked it when I was called a Madridista – it made it feel like I belonged there. I was there for five years and it was a great time. Real Madrid will always have a place in my heart.

DFB.de: In terms of the national team, have things got trickier since the World Cup before of the changes?

Khedira: I wouldn’t say so as the majority of us have played together for a long time. The new lads, such as Antonio Rüdiger and Patrick Herrmann, have settled in well. There’s a great team spirit in the camp.

DFB.de: You’ve been part of the national team for six years now. How have you managed to maintain your spot in the squad for such a long time?

Khedira: I don’t really like to talk about myself to be honest. What I will say, is that I aim to give my all every day. I have always remained professional and made sure that I’ve lived my dream to the full – I always give 100%.

DFB.de: At the end of last season you organised a charity match in Stuttgart, which helped support a children’s hospice and a home. What made you decide to do that?

Khedira: I’ve had a lot of look during my life and have achieved what many kids can only dream about. I worked hard but also received a lot of support, so I want to give something back. I aim to give kids in the region the chance to develop and progress.