Tuchel reveals why Rüdiger is dumping Chelsea for Real Madrid
Sources close to Rudiger say Manchester United made the highest offer but that the German centre-back didn’t want to compete for any club in England other than Chelsea
German defender Antonio Rudiger is close to joining Real Madrid after reaching a verbal agreement with the Spanish club following confirmation of his departure from Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel, the Chelsea head coach, confirmed Rudiger will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires this summer, with Real favourites to sign him.
It is understood Rudiger, 29, is set to sign a four-year deal worth in excess of £230,000-a-week at the Bernabeu.
Sources close to Rudiger say Manchester United made the highest offer but that the German centre-back didn’t want to compete for any club in England other than Chelsea.
Tuchel wants the Chelsea takeover to be completed as soon as possible after blaming sanctions placed on the club as the reason for Rüdiger’s imminent exit.
“The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk,” Tuchel said. “We gave everything — me and the club — but we could not fight anymore because of the sanctions. Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but out 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 in the last 1½ years for me. We then need to find another solution.”
Chelsea are also set to lose defender Andreas Christensen to Barcelona this summer, with the Denmark international also due to depart Stamford Bridge when his contract expires, and Tuchel is unable to source potential replacements until the takeover is complete and the government grants a licence
