Antonio Rudiger’s transfer regrets as Chelsea star break silence on Real Madrid move

Antonio Rudiger publicly confirmed for the first time that he is leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid but hinted he might have stayed had government sanctions not come into effect during contract negotiations

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Tuchel “proud” of Chelsea player despite FA Cup defeat

Antonio Rudiger has admitted his “frustration” at leaving Chelsea without a farewell trophy.

Rudiger, 29, publicly confirmed for the first time that he is leaving Stamford Bridge but hinted he might have stayed had government sanctions not come into effect during contract negotiations.

German defender Rüdiger will join Real Madrid this summer when his contract with Chelsea expires.

Rudiger won the Champions League during five years at Stamford Bridge but the Wembley defeat by Liverpool means he has won just one of the four FA Cup finals he has played with Chelsea.

He said: “It’s been five years, as always, with ups and downs but with a lot of positive things. That’s why I’m even more frustrated because I wanted a different ending.”

“At the end of the day it’s not just about one side (helping the other), it’s about both sides – Chelsea have been great to me, I have been great to Chelsea.

“As always, I’m very, very grateful to my family. I grew up here. My kids were born here and everything. London and especially Chelsea will always be special to me.”

Rudiger acknowledged there was a chance of staying if the sanctions against Roman Abramovich had not come into effect during contract negotiations.

Talks were then paused at a point when Rudiger’s talks looked more positive but he is now committed to Real Madrid.

“I don’t want to get too deep into things,” said Ruediger. “There was a chance (to stay) but sanctions are not the problem.”

Rudiger admitted it was difficult to stomach another heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to Liverpool but says defeat is no consolation. Rudiger has won just one of his four FA Cup finals.

Rüdiger adds: “It is always difficult to say whether we are lucky or unlucky.

“Personally for me it’s the third time (I lost a final) so you can’t always say unlucky, unlucky, unlucky.

“I think it was a good game like the Carabao Cup final. We had chances, they had chances. But at the end of the day we know that penalties are always a lottery. We lost.

“At the end of the day, it’s about winning. It’s about today, not next season.

“The game was about today and it was there and yes unfortunately we didn’t.”