Antonio Rüdiger lost the FA Cup final with Chelsea on Saturday. The defender, who has already agreed a deal with Real Madrid until 2026, publicly said goodbye to his team after the game. The German centre-back explained the reasons why negotiations with the English club to extend his contract, which expires on 30 June, did not work out.
“There was an opportunity, but the sanctions are not the problem. I don’t want to go too deep into things,” said the player in reference to the problems Chelsea have been going through, including a sale process, since Russia invaded Ukraine.
“There was an opportunity, but sanctions are not the problem”
“In the end it’s not just one side, it’s both sides: Chelsea have been very good to me, I’ve been very good to Chelsea,” he continued.
“It’s been a normal five years with ups and downs, but with a lot of positive things. That’s why I’m even more frustrated because I wanted to have a different ending, Rüdiger added.”
A special memory
Rüdiger, elegant, was grateful for the time he has spent at Stamford Bridge. A very positive time for both him and his loved ones. “I am very, very grateful for myself and my family. I became a man here. My children were born here. London and especially Chelsea will always be special to me,” he said.
However, the centre-back is left with a bitter aftertaste. “It’s been a normal five years with ups and downs, but with a lot of positive things. That’s why I’m even more frustrated because I wanted to have a different ending.