Rudiger denies the decision to swap Chelsea for Real Madrid on a free transfer was due to the sanction: For the first time, Antonio Rudiger revealed publicly that he is leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid. Still, he intimated that he may have stayed had it not been for Government penalties kicking in during contract talks.
Antonio Rudiger has expressed his “disappointment” at leaving Chelsea without a trophy to show for his efforts.
Rudiger, 29, announced publicly for the first time that he is leaving Stamford Bridge, but intimated that he may have stayed if Government sanctions had not kicked in during contract talks.
When Rudiger’s contract at Chelsea ends this summer, he is expected to join Real Madrid.
Rudiger won the Champions League during his five years at Stamford Bridge, but his defeat to Liverpool at Wembley means he has only won one of Chelsea’s four FA Cup finals.
“It’s been five years as usual, with ups and downs, but many great things,” he remarked. I’m even more annoyed since I wanted a different conclusion.”
“At the end of the day, it’s not just about one side (assisting the other), it’s about both sides – Chelsea has been kind to me, and I have been wonderful to Chelsea.
“As always, I am very, very thankful to me, my family. I became a man here. My kids were born here and everything. London and especially Chelsea will always be special to me.”
Rudiger said that he may have stayed if the fines against Roman Abramovich had not been imposed during contract talks.
The talks were subsequently put on hold at a time when Rudiger’s negotiations appeared to be progressing, but he has already committed to Real Madrid.
Continue >>> Rudiger denies the decision to swap Chelsea
“I don’t want to become too involved,” Rudiger stated. “There was a possibility of remaining, but penalties aren’t the issue.”
Rudiger confessed it was difficult to suffer another sad penalty shootout loss to Liverpool, but believes there is no comfort in losing. Rudiger has only won one FA Cup final in his four appearances.
“It’s always tough to determine whether we’re lucky or unlucky,” Rudiger remarked.
“It’s the third time I’ve lost a final for me, so you can’t constantly scream “unfortunate, unlucky, unlucky.”
“It was a good game, similar to the Carabao Cup final.” We had opportunities, and they had opportunities. But, in the end, we all know that penalties are usually a crapshoot. We lost.
“It’s all about winning at the end of the day. It’s not about next season; it’s about today.
“The game was about today, and it was there for the taking, but we didn’t.”
