The German central defender has finally addressed the rumours surrounding his future at club level after the Chelsea star has long been touted with a move away from Stamford Bridge
Antonio Rudiger has explained that while he is flattered by interest from the likes of Bayern Munich, he remains focused on life at Chelsea.
The Germany international’s comments come just over a week after Mirror Sport exclusively revealed Rudiger could become one of the highest-paid defenders in football history by calling time on his Chelsea career.
Having fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard, Rudiger has come full circle and is now one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel ‘s team-sheet.
Rudiger was an integral part of the Chelsea side that secured the club’s second Champions League title in May, before enjoying a stellar start to the current Premier League season.
Despite his run of fantastic displays however, Rudiger is yet to extend his current Chelsea deal – which expires at the end of this season, as interest from other clubs begins to mount.
Interest from around Europe continues to grown, with both Bayern Munich and Juventus, two sides famed for snapping up top talent on free transfers, keen on his services. Both are understood to be willing to more than double the wages he is currently on at Stamford Bridge
Rudiger is currently away on international duty with Hansi Flick’s Germany side, where he was pressed on Bayern’s interest after being on the receiving end of praise from their coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“But I don’t let myself be distracted. I have an obligation to my club to perform well. I have to prove myself every game and not let myself be distracted by rumours.
“I make my decisions for myself. They don’t depend on anyone. I feel good where I am.”
Nagelsmann joked to the media last month that he would “see if I still have money in my wallet” if Rudiger’s Chelsea deal expires without renewal.
“I’m generally not a big fan of talking about players who are under contract elsewhere, and besides, we’re outside the transfer period,” the Bayern boss went on. “I’m talking about him now as a football fan because he is a German senior international. He has made a super development.
“Thomas [Tuchel] has handled him extremely well – he was still on the sidelines at Chelsea a year ago and is now certainly one of their most decisive players.
“He has incredibly good aggression and is a very good defender. I haven’t spoken to Brazzo [Hasan Salihamidzic – Bayern Munich sporting director] about it and if I did, I wouldn’t tell you either!
“I just read that in the media as well. I’ll have to see when the contract expires and then I’ll see if I still have money in my wallet!”
Leave a Reply