EPL: I wanted a different ending – Rudiger breaks silence on dumping Chelsea

Chelsea defender, Antonio Rudiger, has revealed that sanctions placed on the club were not the reason that he is leaving.

Rudiger is set to join Real Madrid as a free agent when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of this season.

“I don’t want to go too deep into things. There was a chance but sanctions were not the problem,” Rudiger told reporters.

Adding about how much he has enjoyed his time in west London, the Germany international said: “It’s been five years with ups and downs as normal. There were a lot of positive things, but that’s why I’m even more frustrated because I wanted to have a different ending [with a cup win].

“It’s about both sides. Chelsea have been great to me and I have been great for Chelsea. I am very, very thankful, both me and my family. I became a man here. My kids were born here and everything. London, and especially Chelsea, will always be special to me.”