Paul Merson says Antonio Rudiger could receive bad reception from Chelsea Fans for leaving the Club. He also claims Rudiger could have waited if he had Chelsea at heart.
Fabrizio Romano Confirmed in a tweet that Antonio Rudiger has agreed to join Real Madrid on a four-year deal.
Merson believes he could be in for a frosty reception from Blues fans when Chelsea next play at home to Wolves next Saturday
What was said
He told the Daily Star: ‘Antonio Rudiger is the one player Chelsea couldn’t afford to lose, but he clearly didn’t love the club enough to stay.
‘He is risking the wrath of the fans now because he is turning down a lot of money and leaving them in the lurch, but let’s be honest: it’s been on the cards for a long, long time.
‘I called this one month ago. I don’t think Rudiger ever had any intention of signing; not after he was frozen out by Frank Lampard.
‘I know plenty has changed since then. Thomas Tuchel came in, brought him back into the team, and they won the Champions League.’
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said at a press conference that he is not concerned about Rudiger’s commitment for the remaining part of the season.
The defender proved his Thomas Tuchel right by impressing in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the Old Trafford
However, Paul Merson insists he could be in for a frosty reception from Blues fans when Chelsea next play at home to Wolves next Saturday
He added:‘But I think he had already made his mind up. His contract was already running down and other clubs would already have been expressing interest.’
‘You don’t wait all that time, refusing to sign, losing all that money you would have got by signing on improved terms, just to turn around and stay. It’s serious money he has turned down.
‘He would have been the most well-paid defender in the club’s history. But he doesn’t love the club, does he? Or he’d have stayed.
‘And he’s an unbelievable defender. Thiago Silva helps him, but I think he helps Thiago Silva as well. They are so good together in a three.
‘It will be interesting to see how the fans are going to be now when he plays at Stamford Bridge. I don’t see them being too happy with him.’
Everton manager Frank Lampard says Anthony Gordon has the same attitude as Mason Mount.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Everton match with Chelsea, Frank Lampard compares Anthony Gordon to his former player Mason Mount.
‘Anthony is a great kid and possesses one of the greatest young attitudes I’ve experienced in the game,’ said Lampard.
‘We’re playing against him this weekend and he’s very similar to Mason Mount.
‘Very similar in his attitude, application, his talent levels and he’s fine this week, he’s determined, that’s what he is.’
When quizzed if he would stay at Everton if the club got relegated, He said: I don’t want to get drawn on that question but what I will say is I’ve loved every minute of being at this club.
‘I’ve been welcomed incredibly well by the fans and I will do everything to get this club back to where I want it to be.