Antonio Rudiger opens up on his impending Chelsea exit | OneFootball

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has shed light on his decision to move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.

The Germany international is in the final few months of his contract and a switch to the Spanish capital is expected once the 2021-22 season comes to an end.

Speaking after Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool yesterday, Rudiger stated that Chelsea’s sanctions were not the reason why he decided to depart West London.

“I don’t want to go too deep into things,” Rudiger said via GOAL.

“There was a chance [of me staying] but sanctions were not the problem.

“It’s been five years with ups and downs as normal and there were a lot of positive things.

“Chelsea have been great to me and I have been great for Chelsea.

“I am very, very thankful, both me and my family. I became a man here.

“My kids were born here and everything. London, and especially Chelsea, will always be special to me.”

Rudiger will surely be missed by the Chelsea faithful having established as one of the first names on the starting XI over the last 18 months.

With Andreas Christensen also expected to secure a move away from Chelsea, The Blues are already making plans for the acquisition of at least a new centre-back.

Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is thought to be the prime target but RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly have also been mooted as possible options.

However, Thomas Tuchel’s men are currently focused on nailing down a Champions League spot with just three points needed from the final two games in order to wrap up third place in the Premier League table.

The first of those matches will take place on Thursday when Leicester City visit Stamford Bridge off the back of a 5-1 demolition of Watford earlier today.