Antonio Rudiger: I rejected Barcelona for Real Madrid
FT Desk
- Updated: 20 Jun 2022 13:15 BST
- 3 min read
Antonio Rudiger has been officially presented as a Real Madrid player and he revealed that he rejected a move to Barcelona in order to sign for the Blancos.
Rudiger has signed for Real Madrid on a free transfer after deciding not to renew his contract at Chelsea.
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He agreed a four-year contract with the European and Spanish champions, with the transfer already being announced earlier this month.
On Monday he was officially presented before the media as a Real Madrid player and he revealed that he rejected a move to rivals Barcelona.
What did Rudiger say?
“It's a very special day for all of us, but especially for me,” Rudiger told the media.
“I would like to thank my parents, because without them I could not be here. They have always supported me and that throughout my life has been very very important.
“I also want to thank the president of Real Madrid for giving me the opportunity to play for this great club. I can promise you that I will give everything for this club. I want to win as many titles as we can. Hala Madrid and nothing else!
"There was interest from Barcelona, but I told my agent that it was Madrid or nothing.”
Rudiger was seated alongside Madrid president Florentino Perez, who added some words of his own.
👕 @ToniRuediger#WelcomeRüdiger pic.twitter.com/EUQ67HyH2r
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 20, 2022
What did Florentino Perez say?
“Today one of the best defenders in the world arrives at Real Madrid,” Perez said.
“Antonio, from now on you are part of a unique club and family. We are very excited to have a player like you who has done everything possible to make this day come.
“Your career allowed you to choose between the big clubs and you have chosen for this shield, that will give you the strength to achieve what others believe is impossible.”
Rudiger signed for Chelsea in 2017 and, after an average first three seasons at the club, he was outstanding following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in January 2020.
He played a key role in Chelsea winning the Champions League last year and became one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
