LONDON (AFP) – Thomas Tuchel has revealed Germany defender Antonio Rudiger will leave Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of this season.
Tuchel had hoped to steer Rudiger to remain at Stamford Bridge, however the centre-back has opted to end his five-year spell with the Premier League membership.
Chelsea’s makes an attempt to maintain Rudiger had been hampered by the British authorities’s sanctions on Russian proprietor Roman Abramovich, which included a rule that present gamers couldn’t signal new contracts.
The Blues are believed to have made a contract provide to Rudiger previous to the sanctions, however the deal was by no means finalised after a request was reportedly made for big signing-on and agent charges.
The 29-year-old, who arrived in west London from Roma in 2017, is reported to be eager on a transfer to Real Madrid, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain additionally excited about providing him a profitable free agent deal.
“Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this is in a private talk,” Tuchel stated after Sunday’s 1-0 win in opposition to West Ham.
“We gave everything, me and the club, but we could not fight anymore because of the actions. 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.”
Rudiger had established himself as a significant presence in Tuchel’s defence, along with his management and whole-hearted shows making him a fan favorite. He missed the victory over West Ham as a result of a groin damage however was watching the match from the stands.
Tuchel admitted Rudiger’s departure will be a giant blow to a staff that gained the Champions League and Club World Cup thanks partly to his rock-solid shows.
“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,” Tuchel stated.
“He offers braveness within the dressing room. The variety everyone seems to be afraid of, however the variety to play 50-55 video games at an impressive degree.
“He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution.”
