Antonio Rudiger has lifted the lid on his Chelsea exit as he prepares to link-up with Real Madrid for the first time.
The German international rejected the chance to become the highest-paid defender in Chelsea history and will travel to the Spanish capital after the international break for his official unveiling.
A popular figure at Stamford Bridge, the 29-year-old formed a major part of the side who won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, establishing himself as a key player after struggling for game time under Frank Lampard.
Tuchel admitted the club did everything to keep the former Roma defender at the club but struggled under the weight of the sanctions imposed on former owner, Roman Abramovich.
Now, Rudiger will join a side who are coming off the ultimate success. Champions of both Spain and Europe as a whole, he will compete with David Alaba, Nacho Fernandez and Eder Militao for a starting berth in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Speaking to Marca, Rudiger said: “The first time I heard from Madrid it was like, ‘wow’. They first contacted me in September or October I think. A club like this doesn’t call you many times so it was amazing.
“It was a very welcoming conversation. He told me that everyone was very happy to have me at Madrid, and that makes me very happy.
“It’s clear that Ancelotti is one of the people who make Real Madrid very strong, but he isn’t the only one. There are Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro... He told me they were all very happy and that makes me proud.
“It also makes me realise that I have done well these last three years, and that gives me motivation to do even better at Real Madrid.”
