Antonio Rudiger says the sanctions Chelsea have been operating under since March are not the reason he failed to agree a new contract with the club.
After five years at Stamford Bridge, the 29-year-old will depart on a free transfer in the summer and has come to terms on a four-year deal with La Liga giants Real Madrid. It is a bitter blow for Chelsea to lose the German international, who has blossomed into one of European football's finest defenders under Thomas Tuchel.
Prior to the sanctioning of owner Roman Abramovich, which has resulted in Chelsea being unable to agree contracts with players and engage in transfer activity, the Blues are understood to have made Rudiger an offer that would've made him the best-paid player in the club's history.
