Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger has explained the actual reasons behind his decision to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid.
The Germany international defender said the decision to leave the club came after a period of silence from Chelsea over a new contract offer.
Rudiger has agreed a four-year deal with the Spanish club and is expected to join them as a free agent at the end of the season.
His compatriot and Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel had desired to keep him at Stamford Bridge and the Blues were said to be willing to make the 29-year-old the highest-paid defender in the club’s history.
However, the player says the West London side waited too long to begin talks for a new deal and months of silence convinced him to go elsewhere after five years at Stamford Bridge.
“Unfortunately, my contract negotiations had already started to get difficult last fall,” Rudiger wrote in the Players’ Tribune.
“Business is business, but when you don’t hear any news from the club from August to January, the situation becomes complicated.
“After the first offer, there was a long gap of just nothing. We’re not robots, you know? You cannot wait for months with so much uncertainty about your future.
“Obviously, no one saw the sanctions coming, but in the end, other big clubs were showing interest, and I had to make a decision. I will leave it at that, because business aside, I have nothing bad to say about this club.”
On his imminent exit, Rudiger added: “Chelsea will always be in my heart. London will always be my home. I came here alone, and now I have a wife and two beautiful kids.
“I also have a new brother for life named Kova. I have an FA Cup, a Europa League and a Champions League medal. And of course, I have hundreds of memories that will stay with me forever.
“I leave this club with a heavy heart. It has meant everything to me. I will always be Chelsea. Thank you, Rudi.”
The Germany international will hope to make his last impact for the Thomas Tuchel’s side when they play their last Premier League match of the concluding season on Sunday.
Chelsea have already kept their place in the top four of the Premier League secured but would have to beat Watford on Sunday to cement a third-place finish.
