Here are the latest Premier League headlines for Thursday, June 2.
Rudiger's Real deal
Antonio Rudiger cannot wait to get started at Real Madrid after his free transfer to the European champions was confirmed. The 29-year-old turned down a lucrative new contract to stay at Chelsea, instead choosing to join the Spanish side on a four-year deal.
He leaves Stamford Bridge after five years, during which he won the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Rudiger, who joined from Roma in 2017, said on Instagram: "I'm proud to announce that I'll be joining @RealMadrid. I'm super excited for all the challenges ahead and can't wait to play my first games for this huge club."
Chelsea also confirmed the Germany international's exit, adding in a statement: "We bid farewell to Antonio Rudiger as he departs Stamford Bridge with his Chelsea contract expiring, bringing to a close his five trophy-filled years with the club. The German defender has left the Blues to join Real Madrid, having played a huge role in our successes in recent seasons. Rudiger lifted the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea, playing a crucial role in all those triumphs at the heart of our defence.
"The 29-year-old was also an important figure in the dressing room with his leadership and passion, while his dedication and desire to win never faltered, even when it became clear he would be leaving the club this summer. Chelsea Football Club thanks Toni for his contribution to our success over the last five years and wishes him well in his future career."
READ MORE: Sven Botman reveals what he wants in Dutch interview as Newcastle given fresh transfer hope
Mata to leave Man United
Long-serving Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is leaving when his contract expires at the end of June. This is a summer of change at Old Trafford as new manager Erik ten Hag takes charge and a number of big-name players head for the exit.
The departures of Nemanja Matic, Edinson Cavani and Lee Grant have already been announced, with Man United confirming on Wednesday that academy graduates Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard would follow suit. Mata will join them in heading to pastures new at the end of his deal, having won four trophies and made 285 appearances since joining from Chelsea in January 2014.
"Manchester United can confirm that Juan Mata will depart the club when his contract expires this summer," the Old Trafford giants said in a statement. "Thank you for dedicating eight years of your career to United, Juan. Everyone at the club wishes you all the best for the future."
Wolves confirm exits
Marcal, John Ruddy and Romain Saiss will leave Wolves at the end of the 2021-22 campaign. The club are in talks with Joao Moutinho, whose current agreement also expires this summer. Saiss made more than 200 appearances in all competitions for Wolves.
"The moment I feared the most has come..." Saiss said on Instagram. "The moment to say goodbye to you after 6 wonderful years with you. It was an honour and a privilege to wear these colours and to contribute to the success and renewal of this club.
"I have met exceptional people over these six years, always looking out for me and my family. Thanks to the fans for your support despite the ups and downs, you've always been behind me. Thank you to the various people working at the club for your kindness on a daily basis.
"Thank you to the various technical and medical staff for your work, for having been an important part of our success. Finally, thank you to all the players that I consider as family. A wardrobe of exceptional men that I will never forget."
Ruddy has spent the last five seasons at Watford, while Marcal has played 32 times in the two years since his move from Lyon.
