Nuri Sahin has reflected on why things didn’t work out at Real Madrid and why he is happy to have left Liverpool for Borussia Dortmund.
The Turkish international struggled during the 2011-12 season to assert himself at the Santiago Bernabeu, as consecutive injuries restricted his appearances.
Sent to Anfield on a season-long loan last summer, Sahin interrupted that in January to then return to Dortmund, where he currently is on loan until June 2014.
“It didn’t work out at Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers wanted to use me as a No 10. But I do not play behind the strikers,” reflected Sahin to AS today.
“I spoke to him and asked why I was played there. It is not my actual position. The Coach could not answer…
“Still, I have no regrets. To play in the red shirt and at Anfield was a wonderful thing. If I had not left there, then I would not be at Borussia Dortmund again.
“Therefore, I am happy. But I have left Brenden Rodgers behind, thank God.”
The midfielder reflected on why he struggled to make a go of it at Madrid.
“Before coming to Madrid I had recovered and then I had an injury in my first training session. If I had not had that, surely things would have been very different for me. But this is football.
“I do not want to return to the past. I’m in a squad that is one of the best in the world. I have never dropped my head, I think I will be very successful. My move to Madrid was a dream, I achieved it.
“In fact, I had better offers financially. I fulfilled my dream, but I could not perform to my level. If you have an injury at the start of the season then in Madrid it is very difficult to get into the first XI.”
Sahin was asked if he is still in contact with Jose Mourinho.
“Yes, we often talk by phone. We talk about things to do with football and life. The Coach feels good. I think the game against Manchester United was very important for Madrid.
“He is now in a perfect position. The referee’s performance in that game is discussed, rather than that of Madrid, but Madrid’s performance was very good.
“They are doing a great job. It’s not easy to beat Barcelona twice. The truth is that Madrid are one of the favourites for the Champions League.
“Who do I want to win the competition? [Smiling] Us, at Borussia Dortmund. Madrid always want La Decima, I know they are preparing for it.”
