Former Chelsea captain John Terry has had his say on defender Antonio Rudiger leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. The German international’s contract expires at the end of the season, with the Blues currently unable to offer a new deal until a new owner is in place, due to sanctions against current owner Roman Abramovich.
The 29-year-old has been a key asset to Thomas Tuchel since he became manager. In the back three, the defender was able to be aggressive in the press without impacting the shape too heavily, something that has been particularly useful to the head coach.
However, that will be something that Tuchel has to replace in the summer, if he can. Announcing the loss of the defender, the manager told Sky Sports: “Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk. We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the actions.
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“Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision. He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season.
“But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution."
With fellow senior centre-back Andreas Christensen also set to leave the club as a free agent this summer, it represents a real blow to the squad going into next season. The news wasn’t pleasant for Chelsea fans, as well as former captain Terry.
The 41-year-old spent nearly 20-years at Stamford Bridge, making over 450 appearances in his time at the club. As a generational centre-back talent, he knows what it takes to be a top defender.
Following the announcement of Rudiger’s departure, Terry replied to a post on Instagram, saying: “How have we let this man go?” This perhaps shows just how much of a loss the defender is.
The solution for the summer is up in the air, but for the meantime, the defender still has a part to play at the club. With Champions League qualification in their hands as well as an FA Cup final on the horizon, he could leave Stamford Bridge on a high.
