Antonio Rudiger, a Chelsea defender, has revealed the true reasons for his choice to join Real Madrid.
After a period of quiet from Chelsea about a new contract offer, the Germany international defender decided to quit the club.
Rudiger has signed a four-year contract with the Spanish club and will become a free agent at the end of the season.
Thomas Tuchel, his compatriot and Chelsea manager, has expressed an interest in keeping him at the club, with the Blues reportedly offering to make the 29-year-old the highest-paid defender in the club’s history.
However, the midfielder claims that the West London club took too long to start talks about a new contract, and that months of silence prompted him to leave Stamford Bridge after five years.
Rudiger stated in the Players’ Tribune, “Unfortunately, my contract negotiations had already started to get tricky last fall.”
“Business is business, but the scenario becomes tricky when you don’t hear from the club from August to January.”
“There was a long period of nothing after the first offer. You know, we’re not robots. With so much uncertainty about your future, you can’t wait months.
“Obviously, no one saw the sanctions coming, but in the end, other big clubs were showing interest, and I had to make a decision. I will leave it at that, because business aside, I have nothing bad to say about this club.”
On his imminent exit, Rudiger added that Chelsea will always be in his heart. London will always be his home.
“I came here alone, and now I have a wife and two beautiful kids.
“I also have a new brother for life named Kova. I have an FA Cup, a Europa League and a Champions League medal. And of course, I have hundreds of memories that will stay with me forever.
I leave this club with a heavy heart. It has meant everything to me. I will always be Chelsea. Thank you, Rudi.”
When Thomas Tuchel’s team play their final Premier League encounter of the season on Sunday, the Germany international will seek to make his final impact.
Chelsea has already guaranteed a position in the Premier League’s top four, but a win over Watford on Sunday would secure a third-place finish.
