Sami Khedira says Real Madrid have hurt him to the bottom of his soul

Sami Khedira has lashed out at Real Madrid, saying what has happened this season has "hurt me to the bottom of my soul".

The German midfielder has been suffering from a minor injury, but not something that could prevent him from playing. 

However, he hasn't featured since March 10, a painful 4-3 defeat by Schalke 04 at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

"I did have a small injury, a pain in my right heel, but that wasn't why I wasn't playing," he told Marca.           

"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.        

"It's not the end that I wanted. It hurts that I'm accused of a lack of professionalism because I've always put the team ahead of myself. I've always gone with the truth. 

"Nobody from the club said anything to me directly. It's all feelings, incidents and comments saying I wouldn't play anymore. But nobody approached me.          

"What has happened this season has hurt me to the bottom of my soul."

Khedira is available on a free transfer in the summer and Juventus has been earmarked as a likely destination.