Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Rudiger told him in a private Chat that he will leave the club this summer.
The German insisted that Chelsea did everything in their powers to extend the contract of Antonio Rudiger but the sanctions prevented them.
Chelsea is currently operating under a special license after the sanctions from the UK government
The sanctions prevent Chelsea from buying a new player and negotiating or extending the contracts of existing players until the takeover is complete.
His departure will be a huge blow to Thomas Tuchel as the 29 years old defender has been instrumental and a key figure in Thomas Tuchel’s reign.
What was said?
Speaking to Sky Sports after Chelsea‘s 1-0 win over West Ham, Chelsea boss Tuchel said that Rudiger had decided to leave Chelsea: “Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.
“We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of our 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.
“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. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender for the last one-and-a-half years for me. We then need to find another solution.”
Tuchel also revealed that Rudiger’s absence was due to his decision to leave Stamford Bridge but because of injury.
“He’s injured. No concerns from him,” he added. “He has no doubts and he has made no doubts that he will play until the end of the season. This is what he did from day one and this is what he’ll do at the last minute.”
He also added that because of the sanctions Chelsea cannot replace him soon.
Tuchel said: “At the moment not, because of the sanctions. Hopefully, the sanctions will be the past.
“Even then it will be incredibly difficult because Toni is what he is. He’s a big personality. Big leader. He takes the fear away and gives confidence and between 50, 60 matches over 90 minutes with an incredible level of consistency.”
The decision will come as a piece of good news to Real Madrid who had made the German defender their top target this summer. Manchester United and PSG are also monitoring the situation
