Rudiger hints Chelsea to blame for Real Madrid transfer

FT Desk

• 15 May 2022 15:30 BST
• 3 min read

Antonio Rudiger has hinted that it was Chelsea’s fault that he decided to leave the club at the end of the season in order to join Real Madrid.

Rudiger’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of next month and, according to multiple sources, he has agreed a free transfer move to Real Madrid.

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The transfer is expected to be announced at the end of the season after the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Rudiger to Real Madrid: How they will line up

The 29-year-old had rejected a number of lucrative contract offers to renew his Chelsea deal throughout this season.

However, negotiations had to stop following the sanctions against Roman Abramovich which has seen Chelsea search for a new owner.

But Rudiger says that it wasn’t the sanctions that stopped him renewing his deal and hinted that Chelsea could have done more.

What did Rudiger say?

"I don’t want to go too deep into things. There was a chance but sanctions were not the problem," Rudiger told reporters following the FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

"It’s been five years with ups and downs as normal. There were a lot of positive things, but that’s why I’m even more frustrated because I wanted to have a different ending [with a cup win].

"It’s about both sides. 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."

Chelsea drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Wembley but, for the second time this season, they lost on penalties to the Reds in a cup final.

Rudiger signed for Chelsea in 2017 and, after an average first three seasons at the club, he has been outstanding since the arrival of Tuchel in January 2020.

He played a key role in Chelsea winning the Champions League last year and is now considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League.