Following the current transfer rumours on Antonio Rudiger, the German international has revealed what has kept him in Chelsea till now. The former AS Roma man said that Thomas Tuchel played a vital role in keeping him at Chelsea at the start of 2021. Rudiger spent long periods out of the starting lineup before Tuchel was brought in as a replacement for Frank Lampard.
Antonio Rudiger Says Tuchel’s Influence Kept Him in Chelsea
Despite establishing himself as a key player at Stamford Bridge, the 28-year-old is still to extend his contract past the end of 2021-22. Nevertheless, speaking reports recently, he spoke about the influence of the Blues head coach in keeping him in the club. The centre-back said: “Yeah [I was close to leaving], the way things were going for myself but also for the team, but in the winter period, I was not keen to leave, to be honest. It was more in the summer period where I wanted to leave.
Antonio Rudiger also said: “But Thomas Tuchel came, and the rest is history. He opened a new door. He played a big role.” On Thursday, Chelsea head coach Tuchel hinted that he was prepared to remain ‘patient’ as Chelsea attempted to agree to a new contract with the defender who can speak to foreign clubs in just two weeks.
