'One of the best backlines around' - Chelsea and Real Madrid fans react to Rudiger transfer
Karan Tejwani
- 2 Jun 2022 14:29 BST
- 6 min read
Antonio Rudiger’s move to Real Madrid has finally been confirmed after months of speculation rumours of the completion of the deal.
The German defender’s contract runs out at the end of this month, and Real Madrid were in pole position to sign him all season, only reaching an agreement earlier in the month.
That deal has now been completed and Rudiger will sign with the newly-crowned European champions in a four-year deal, running until 2026.
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The 29-year-old joined Chelsea in 2017, and hit his best form following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in January 2020, becoming a key part of their Champions League run in 2021, where they won the tournament.
In all, Rudiger made 203 appearances for Chelsea, winning one Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup each.
It was under Tuchel where he was showing his qualities: completing the most passes, most clearances, winning the most aerial duels and being involved in the most clean sheets out of all Chelsea defenders.
Real Madrid delighted with Rudiger arrival
The signing was praised by fans on Twitter, who believe the defender will only improve Real Madrid’s solid back-line led by Eder Militao and David Alaba.
40% - Antonio Rüdiger has kept a clean sheet in 40% of his Premier League appearances – more than any other German player (min. 30 games). Real. @realmadriden pic.twitter.com/BHPGZYPhWP
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) June 2, 2022
Antonio Rudiger official. No worries about the CB position for a while now. We have Alaba, Militao, Nacho and now Rudiger all ready to hold the line. One of the best backlines around at the moment.
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) June 2, 2022
Rudiger is elite at driving with the ball and making things happen. His physical dominance is perfect for our chaotic style of defending. We're getting one of the best CBs in the world imo, great signing
#WelcomeRüdiger pic.twitter.com/T42a2TF0co— Madrilo (@Madrilo_) June 2, 2022
Don't cry that's its over. Smile because it happened.
Thank you for everything and good luck Antonio Rudiger 💙 pic.twitter.com/wudiubuL1C— CfcSheikh (@CfcSheikh) June 2, 2022
Federico Valverde
Eduardo Camavinga
Eder Militao
Carlos Casemiro
Nacho Fernandez
Antonio Rudiger
We’re about to witness another Jose Mourinho Real Madrid, you want to play aggressive football? Bring it on 😌 pic.twitter.com/zicAodfoUI— BLACK (@9LARCK) June 2, 2022
Antonio Rudiger signs for Real Madrid from Chelsea on a four year deal.What a legend for Chelsea https://t.co/xtZP0xbU4o pic.twitter.com/WLqoky1UkH
— Duncan Francis (@DuncanFrancis12) June 2, 2022
Signing Rudiger adds to Real Madrid’s impressive defence: Los Blancos conceded 31 goals across the La Liga season – only Sevilla (30) conceded fewer than the league champions.
Getting their business done early is also useful for the club – there was plenty of interest from around Europe in the defender and that will now be avoided.
Clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United maintained an interest in the German earlier in the season but it’s the club from the Spanish capital that acted quickly and effectively.
Rudiger’s signing also means Real Madrid will now have flexibility at the back, possibly being able to shift David Alaba to left-back, and creating more options in defence.
The defender’s official presentation at his new club will be held at noon on 20 June.
