Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with West Ham that he is confident Chelsea can keep Antonio Rudiger.
The 29 years old German defender’s contract expires this summer and he has been linked to a potential move to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Rüdiger joined Chelsea from Roma for a reported initial fee of £29 million on a five-year deal in 2017 and despite initially struggling to adjust to the Premier League’s fast pace and physicality, and receiving widespread criticism for his on-field performances, Antonio has grown to be one of the key player for Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel and one of the best in the Premier League.
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter that Antonio Rudiger will leave Chelsea at the end of the season as Chelsea has not offered him a new contract.
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Antonio Rüdiger will leave Chelsea on a free transfer as he can’t wait more than 2 months for new owners. No bid on the table. He’s always been respectful – but it’s time for a new challenge. It’s over. ???? #CFC
…Real Madrid are close to find an agreement to sign Rüdiger. ⚪️⏳
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 23, 2022
Chelsea is currently operating under a special license after its former owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government because of his close ties with Russian President Putin
However, Thomas Tuchel believed Rudiger would eventually sign a new deal and stay with the Blues.
What did Tuchel say?
The German said: “Still he’s our player and I still think we have a good chance that he stays our player once things are solved for us.
“But the situation is the situation. At the moment our hands are tied. We cannot speak to him, we cannot offer him (a contract) and we cannot negotiate with him and his agent.
“So, fair enough – if it’s true – that he listens to other offers. That’s the way things go. But I’m still confident.”
Chelsea legend Paul Canoville has questioned why prospective Chelsea owners won’t do anything to keep Antonio Rediger.
The Chelsea Icon shared his reaction to the potential departure of Rudiger on Twitter
[Is there] something I don’t understand?”
“It’s obvious Thomas Tuchel wants you to stay, @Tonirudiger. The fans want you to stay.
“Most importantly, YOU want to stay.
“Why haven’t all prospective owners given Marina [Granovskaia] the green light to whisper in your ear it’s a done deal.
“Why the stupidity of running the clock down?”
Something I don’t understand? It’s obvious TT wants you to stay @ToniRuediger The fans want you to stay. Most importantly YOU want to stay. Why haven’t all perspective owners given Marina green light to whisper in your ear it’s done deal? Why stupidity running clock down #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/OIVZOw7WHP
— Paul Canoville (@Kingcanners) April 23, 2022
