‘I wanted to leave’ – Spurs-linked defender admits desire to move clubs last summer

Antonio Rudiger, who is rumoured to be on Tottenham’s radar, has admitted that he sought to leave Chelsea before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel.

Rudiger struggled for game time at Chelsea under Frank Lampard but has been a key figure in the Blues’ backline since Tuchel took over 12 months ago.

However, the centre-back is now approaching the final six months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, and according to reports, Spurs have expressed interest in bringing him to North London.

It was even alleged by journalist Dean Jones on The Done Deal Show (starting at 36:02) last month that Tottenham had submitted one of the biggest offers to the German international.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the 28-year-old is not close to agreeing on a new contract with the Blues and Real Madrid are leading the race to snap him up as a free agent at the end of the season.

This is not the first time Spurs have pursued Rudiger, with the Lilywhites alleged to have tried to sign former AS Roma man in the summer of 2020 when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

Rudiger has now revealed that he did come close to leaving Stamford Bridge in the past.

The defender told Sky Sports: “During the winter period, I wasn’t too keen to leave that much.

“It was more in the summer period, then I wanted to leave. But Thomas Tuchel came in and the rest is history.”

Spurs Web Opinion

With Rudiger now reportedly being wanted by the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus, it is evident that we do not have a chance of signing him.

Spurs would have likely moved on from the 28-year-old and would be focusing on more realistic centre-back targets like Gleison Bremer or Nikola Milenkovic.

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