Chelsea Boss Thomas Tuchel Reveals How Star Player Broke His Departure News

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed how his key defender Antonio Rudiger broke news about his departure from Stamford Bridge.

Rudiger’s current contract with Chelsea is due to expire at the end of the season and the German center-back has decided to part ways with the Blues.

Ahead of Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League, Rudiger personally revealed the big news to Tuchel, who has admitted to having appreciated the player’s gesture. The conversation took place at Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham.

"When Toni [Antonio Rudiger] knocks at your door one hour before training, it’s not a good sign. Normally he doesn’t knock - he just grabs you in between and tells you something, so everybody thought this is not looking good. Then we had this brief conversation. First of all, I appreciated that he came and told me. I was one of the first and that shows me we have a relationship where we handle things directly and honestly and are not afraid to tell each other what we think,” Tuchel told Chelsea’s official website.

It is understood that the 29-year-old Rudiger had turned down multiple new deals from Chelsea before the club was slapped with sanctions by the U.K. government. Owning to the bans, the Stamford Bridge side cannot sign new players or negotiate with the current ones over a new deal.

"Toni is not the guy you need to take out to 10 dinners and 12 coffees to talk him into something. He has strong opinions, which is part of his personality. He demands clarity and honesty but it’s very low maintenance with him. I was disappointed but not on a personal level," added Tuchel in the same interview.

The German boss also added that he understands Rudiger has the right to figure out new opportunities, even if it meant changing clubs. Tuchel said that he certainly did not like Rudiger’s decision and the player is aware of that before adding that "life does not stop" because of such instances.

It has been reported that Rudiger has agreed to a verbal deal with Real Madrid and the defender would join the La Liga supergiants as a free agent. It is going to be a long-term deal and the final details are to be discussed soon, before signing the contract, according to Fabrizio Romano, who has a credible record in European transfer markets.

Chelsea have 65 points from 32 games in the 2021-22 Premier League. The Blues are placed third in the table and have six more games left to go. Their place in the top four is totally not secured as yet as Arsenal and Tottenham are only a few points behind them.

Tuchel’s Chelsea will next take on Manchester United at Old Trafford in the league on Thursday.