Former Chelsea defender was officially announced by Real Madrid this week after signing a four years contract with the Spanish Giant.
Antonio Rudiger spends five years at Chelsea winning the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, the Europa League, The UEFA Super Cup, and the FA Cup.
In the last two seasons, Antonio Rudiger has become one of the most important players for Thomas Tuchel and one of the best players in the Premier League and Europe.
What did Antonio Rudiger say about his reaction when Real Madrid first called?
In an interview with Spanish newspaper outlet Marca, when asked about his thoughts when Real Madrid called, Rudiger responded:” The first time I heard from Madrid it was like, ‘wow’. They first contacted me in September or October I think. A club like this doesn’t call you many times so it was amazing.”
The 29 years old German defender is known for his aggressive behavior on the pitch and something has been hailed for his leadership qualities on the pitch.
Antonio Rudiger added: “Laughs Leadership is something that comes naturally. As a defender, you have to make yourself feel present, talk to your teammates… That’s what I try to do. I like to have good communication and motivation. I think it’s something that comes naturally to me, it’s not an act, it just comes out like that.”
Antonio Rudiger also revealed that He is the opposite of what He is on the pitch when quizzed. What is Rudiger like off the pitch?
He responded: “I’m just the opposite of what you see on the pitch. I don’t see myself as a superstar, I’m a normal guy. I’m privileged. After all, I have a good life, because I play for very big clubs and that’s why I like to give back to the community what people and football give me. I like to help in hospitals, to be present in Sierra Leone.”
“I grew up in a different environment than I can have now. We were not exactly wealthy people, but I have always felt rich because I have been with my family. For me the real wealth is family.”
Carlo Ancelotti has always admired Antonio Rudiger since his days at AS Roma. Antonio Rudiger has also revealed that He has spoken with Carlo Ancelotti before deciding to join Real Madrid.
Rudiger continued: “Yes, I have spoken with him.
“It was a very welcoming conversation. He told me that everyone was very happy to have me in Madrid, and that makes me very happy. It’s clear that Ancelotti is one of the people who make Real Madrid very strong, but he isn’t the only one.
“There are Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro… He told me they were all very happy and that makes me proud. It also makes me realize that I have done well these last three years, and that gives me the motivation to do even better at Real Madrid.”
The 29 years old also revealed the atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabeu when Chelsea was eliminated by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League where Antonio Rudiger scored.
He said: “It was my first time at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the day before we went to the stadium to see it. You look up and you see the whole structure of the stadium.
“You realize it’s a special place and you want to play that kind of a game in that kind of a stadium. Not only against Madrid, but you also want to play for them as well. Unfortunately, that day things didn’t go the way we wanted and then they were champions. So I applaud them.”
