Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira feels that he has been "frozen out" of the squad since returning from injury.

The German international has rarely featured for Real this season, and will leave on a free when his contract expires this summer.

A whole host of clubs are rumoured to be interested in securing the 28-year-old's services, including Manchester United and Schalke 04.

Khedira told Marca: "I did have a small injury, a pain in my right heel, but that wasn't why I wasn't playing. It wasn't a complicated injury, I was able to play.

"I've always felt that I've had the coach's backing, but the message indirectly came through to me that I was no longer needed, I was frozen out and wouldn't have a chance to continue playing."

Despite speculation, Khedira claimed last month that no deal has been made with a new club.

Written by
Michael Hincks