Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry has revealed his frustrations at the news of Antonio Rudiger confirming he will leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The Germany centre-back, arguably Chelsea's player of the season, is among a number of high-profile names whose contracts are due to run out at the end of the season. Following the Blues' 1-0 win over London rivals West Ham United on Sunday, which Rudiger missed due to groin and hamstring issues, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that despite efforts to keep the 29-year-old, he will be playing his football elsewhere next term.
That news prompted a frustrated reaction from Terry, who vented his frustrations on Instagram. Reacting to a post from Sky Sports which confirmed that Rudiger will leave the club on a free transfer this summer, Terry commented: “How have we let this man go.”
Rudiger will leave Chelsea having had a successful five-year spell that has seen him win the Champions League, the Europa League, the FA Cup and the Club World Cup. He was also named in the Champions League squad of the season for the 2020/21 term.
In March, Chelsea were plunged into uncertainty after the British government sanctioned owner Roman Abramovich, severely limiting the club’s sources of revenue as well as their ability to extend contracts. Speaking on Rudiger’s exit, Blues boss Tuchel admitted that the sanctions on the club led to Rudiger’s deal not being able to be extended.
“We fought hard,” said Tuchel. “I fought hard on a personal level. We made big offers to him, and the club tried everything.
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“But for some weeks we cannot fight any more because we have the sanctions. We cannot adjust. We cannot continue, and so it is what it is.
“He deserves my full support because he delivered incredible performances right until today. I’m just happy that I had the chance to coach him and to have him in the team. Because he was nothing but brilliant.”
Rudiger has played 196 times for the Blues in all competitions, with his appearances coming under four different managers in Antonio Conte, Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard and Tuchel, scoring 12 goals.
The 29-year-old has been linked with transfer interest from Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barcelona, with reports suggesting that Los Blancos are the frontrunners to sign Rudiger on a Bosman transfer this summer.
He is not the only Chelsea defender said to be leaving the club, with Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen - who is into the final months of his contract - believed to be joining Barca this summer.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta has also been linked with a move to the Camp Nou club and would leave Chelsea as the only player in the club’s history to have won every available trophy.
