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| Antonio Rudiger attends during his first press conference as player of Real Madrid at Ciudad Deportiva Real Madrid on June 20, 2022, in Valdebebas, Madrid Spain. |
Antonio Rudiger said on Monday Carlo Ancelotti was
instrumental in his decision to join Real Madrid from Chelsea this summer.
Rudiger has moved to the Santiago Bernabeu on a free
transfer after choosing not to extend his Chelsea contract. The 29-year-old
defender has signed a four-year deal with the reigning Spanish and European
champions.
Rudiger, speaking at his presentation ceremony at
the club’s training ground in Valdebebas, said he made his decision in April, after
a conversation with the Italian coach.
“The first time I got in contact, not really
me, my agent, was early September. The second time, I spoke with Mr Ancelotti,
that was in April,” Rudiger said.“That was the most important moment, to speak
with Mr Ancelotti. That was when I made my choice, that I wanted to play for
this club under him.“He said he wanted me, trusted in my abilities,
that I could be very helpful to the team, and at my age, that’s enough. At the
end of the day, it’s Mr Ancelotti. You always know at Madrid that nothing is
guaranteed. You have to fight for your place. I’m ready to do that.”
As well as turning down the chance to stay at
Chelsea, Rudiger said there was also interest in him from Barcelona.
“There was interest from Barcelona but I told my brother, it’s Real or
nothing,” Rudiger said.
The German will be competing with Eder Militao and
David Alaba for a spot in Madrid’s central defence next season, although
Ancelotti could also switch to a back three in defence to accommodate an
impressive trio of options.
Alaba formed a superb partnership, becoming an essential part of Madrid’s
success last term.
“Real Madrid is stacked with very, very good
players, also in my position,” said Rudiger.“But I’m looking confidently going into this.
What do I bring? Competition, which is healthy for everyone. It keeps everyone
going and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Rudiger became known at Chelsea for his combative
style and dynamic displays in the Premier League. He pledged to be a leader in
the Real Madrid dressing room.
“With me you never know what to expect off the
pitch. I like to laugh, I like to dance,” said Rudiger.“But on the pitch I’m serious. I don’t like to
joke around. I hope what I can bring is my fighting spirit, leadership. Rome
wasn’t built in a day. I have to come here, adapt, speak Spanish. I will do my
best.”
Asked if there were any Real Madrid defenders he
particularly admired, Rudiger said: “There have been a lot of top
centre-backs but one I liked a lot was Pepe. Apparently off the pitch a very
nice person, but on the pitch, a monster. I like that,” Rudiger said.
Rudiger was on the pitch, and scored, as Chelsea led
3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu in April, only for Real Madrid to pull off an
incredible comeback to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
“It was a very intense night, it was my first
time at the Bernabeu,” Rudiger said. “What Madrid did last year in
the Champions League, that was… I don’t know how to describe it,
unbelievable.”
Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the final in Paris,
to lift the club’s 14th European Cup.
“In the final, I knew I was going to be a Real
Madrid player and I was rooting for them,” Rudiger added. “I lost two
finals against Liverpool with my former team so I was very happy that Real beat
them.”
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