/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2021/09/07/3214720-65849668-2560-1440.jpg "Antonio Rudiger opens up on his decision to leave Chelsea")
Antonio Rudiger has revealed why he left Chelsea and admitted despite playing at his best week in week out there were no contract talks.
Rudiger arrived at Chelsea from Italian side AS Roma in 2017 and went on to make over 200 appearances for the club and became a key player.
The 31-year-old played a key role as Chelsea won their second Champions League title in Porto in 2021, but a year later he left to join Real Madrid on a free.
Rudiger opens up on why he left Chelsea
Rudiger was a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge and performed to a top level for the club, particularly under Thomas Tuchel, although he almost left after becoming frozen out by Frank Lampard.
After Chelsea’s Champions League success Rudiger only had a year left on his contract and with uncertainty surrounding the club with the takeover situation he ended up leaving on a free transfer and joining Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he’s managed by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.
In recent interview on The Inside Scoop Podcast Rudiger opened up on his Chelsea departure and why he decided to leave the club.
“There was a gap then, there wasn’t even talks and I was still playing at my best week in, week out,” he said.
“But on the other hand, I had in my head that the Champions League that I won could be my ticket to the biggest club in the world, Real Madrid. Real Madrid don’t knock twice.”
Chelsea fans were disappointed to lose a top player on a free considering how well he was playing and what he had contributed to the club.
However, as Rudiger admitted it’s very difficult to say no to Real Madrid no matter how big a club you might be, and if you have the opportunity to play for Madrid players usually take it.
Chelsea have an exciting crop of defenders at the club but could definitely do with someone like Rudiger to lead the backline and it’s an area they may well address over the upcoming windows.
