Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger on a four-year deal.
The newly-crowned UEFA ChampIons League winners announced Rudiger’s signing on their website on Thursday.
Rudiger, 29, will move to the Bernabeu on a free transfer after he turned down the Chelsea’s attempts to renew his contract.
It is believed that the Germany international’s new deal would be worth €400,000 (£340,000) per week.
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“Antonio Rüdiger is now a Real Madrid player,” the statement from Madrid read.
“We have strengthened our squad by signing one of the best defenders in world football after the German international has joined the club from Chelsea. He was a pivotal member of the London side’s squad that lifted the Champions League, the Europa League, the Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup. He has also featured in the Champions League Team of the Season in both of the last two seasons.
“A very commanding physical presence (measuring in at 1.90m), Rüdiger boasts experience in England, German and Italy. Last season saw him beat his appearances and goals record as he featured 54 times and netted five goals in Chelsea colours.
“He made his Bundesliga bow at the tender age of 18 for Stuttgart, before moving on to Roma in 2015. In 2017, he made the switch to Chelsea, where he was a mainstay in the team’s defence during a five-season stay. He is also a regular fixture in the Germany squad and earned his 50th cap in March. He was part of the 2017 Confederations Cup-winning squad.”
And commenting on his move to Madrid, Rudiger said he is excited about the new challenges ahead of him.
He wrote on Twitter: “I’m proud to announce that I’ll be joining @RealMadrid 🙏🏾💪🏾🙌🏾 I’m super excited for all the challenges ahead and can’t wait to play my first games for this huge club.”
