New Real Madrid teammates and former Chelsea pals have all flooded into Antonio Rudiger's mentions to send him different messages after his latest move has been announced.
Rudiger, 29, has finally completed his long-awaited move to the Santiago Bernabeu as the defensive overhaul officially begins with Todd Boehly now having the monumental task at hand of providing Thomas Tuchel with a suitable replacement for the German. A club statement on the website said: "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."
"Rudiger made 54 appearances in all competitions in his final campaign, all from the start, more than any other Chelsea player. He departs with 203 appearances and 12 goals to his name, in that time establishing himself as one of the most passionate characters to represent the club in recent memory. Chelsea Football Club thanks Toni for his contribution to our success over the last five years and wishes him well in his future career."
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Manager Tuchel was a massive fan of Rudiger, who he had resurrected from the dead in West London after Frank Lampard had fallen out with the charismatic character during his one and half seasons in charge prior to Tuchel's appointment at the Stamford Bridge.
Losing the Blues' number 2 will be a significant blow ahead of 2022/23 but Boehly can perhaps lessen this pain by providing a suitable type of replacement for the new Los Blancos player. Jules Kounde Is expected to be the first signing through the door in SW6 and this has even been hinted at by what Sevilla have recently done.
But in the meantime, as all supporters wait patiently for the first signing to be announced, most of the fanbase have been sending a player known to many as 'Rudi' heartwarming messages as he now prepares for his new challenge mentally, whilst also solely focussing on the fact his priorities are with the German international team currently ahead of their upcoming Nations League fixtures.
It isn't just the fans who have said their goodbyes but players on both sides of the divide have sent in their messages under the defender's Instagram post, including his new teammates Vinicius Junior and international compatriot Toni Kroos.
Here are the best of the messages below in the comments section of his farewell message.
Real Madrid players' messages
@vinijr responded: 'Let's gooooooo [followed by three fire emojis].'
@toni.kr8s said: 'Team [followed by the German flag emoji].'
Chelsea players' messages
@reecejames: 'Good luck strong like iron [followed by two emojis].'
@yungchalobah [Trevoh]: 'Good luck big bro [followed by one emoji}.'
@masonmount: 'All the best big bro! [followed by one emoji].'
@kenedy: [sent two emojis to show his displeasure in the move.]
@calteck10: 'Good luck my big brother [followed by two emojis].'
@kaihavertz29: [sent a five emoji response to show his gratitude].'
Former and other players, he has played with on the club or international scene
@fikayotomori: 'UNCLE TONIII [followed by three emojis].'
@tammyabraham: 'Lets go big broooo.'
@davidluiz23: [sent two love heart emojis].
@jermoneboateng [Three emoji response].'
@willianborgess88: 'All the best bro, God bless you!!! [followed by two emojis].'
@dannydrinkwater: 'Love it bro. Good luck [followed by one emoji].'
The overwhelmingly positive responses just show how appreciated Real Madrid's new acquisition was amongst the playing football community.
Chelsea fans- What was your best memory of Antonio Rudiger from his five year stay at the club? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
