Real Madrid’s new signing from Chelsea Antonio Rudiger has confessed that he turned down Barcelona’s interest because he only wanted to play for Real Madrid.
Rudiger chose to let his Chelsea contract expire in order to join the European and Spanish champions on a free transfer, and he arrived at the Bernabeu on Monday for his official introduction. “It is a very special day,” Rudiger said during his introduction. “I would like to thank my parents because without them I could not be here. They have always supported me in my life.
“I also want to thank the president for giving me the opportunity to play for this club. And I want to thank the Madrid fans for their welcome, I can promise that I will give it my all. I want to win all the titles we can. Hala Madrid and nothing more.”
He also added that Real Madrid’s greatest rivals Barcelona contacted him for a possible move to the club but he rejected the offer in favor of a move to the Los Blancos.
“There was interest from Barcelona, but I told my agent that it was Madrid or nothing,” the German defender said. On his contact with Real Madrid, Rudiger added: “The first time they contacted my agent was in September of last year.
“The second time, in April, when I spoke with [Carlo] Ancelotti. This was the most important moment as it was at this moment that I decided to play for Madrid.”
The signing of Antonio Rudiger makes him the second signing for the Spanish champions this summer.
Rudiger has been one of the main players in the Chelsea defense and he played a vital role in helping them win the 2020 UEFA Champions League.
However, his contract expired after last month and he revealed that he wants a new challenge.
Rudiger rejected a new contract renewal from Chelsea and decided to join Real Madrid. He has taken the jersey number 22 and looks ready to start the next season on the high with the Spanish giants.
Rudiger is the second defender to leave Chelsea this summer and their captain could leave too.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s president has filed a complaint against Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City over breaking the financial fair play regulations.
He said that the two billionaires club are signing players with funds generated outside football.
The claims came after Manchester City signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain extended Kylian Mbappe’s contract.
Recall that Mbappe was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid but made a shocking move to renew his contract with PSG until 2025.
