Antonio Rudiger has claimed that he turned down a move to Barcelona in order to join the Bernabeu.
Rudiger’s five-year stay at Chelsea will officially end on July 1, with the Germany international set to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires.
Speaking at his official unveiling as a Real Madrid player, Rudiger said:
“The first time I got in contact, not really me, my agent, was early September. The second time, I spoke with Mr. Ancelotti, was in April. That was the most important moment,” Rudiger told the press.
“That was when I made my choice. I wanted to play for this club under him. There was interest from Barcelona but I told my brother, it’s Real or nothing.”
Since joining Chelsea for £31.5 million from Roma in 2017, Rudiger has scored 12 goals and given seven assists in 202 appearances for the west London side.
At Stamford Bridge, the former Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart player won multiple titles, including the Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup.
