https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12521753/
Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger says 'family feel great in London' as talks
continue over new contract
Friday 21 January 2022 22:14, UK
Antonio Rudiger says his "family feel great in London" as the defender
continues contract talks with Chelsea, with his current deal expiring this
summer.
https://i.imgur.com/zjTYV1k.jpg
Rudiger is now able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs
after entering the final six months of his deal.
Barcelona are monitoring his contract situation, while Sky Sports News
reported earlier this month Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern
Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with Rudiger's representatives
over a free transfer in the summer.
But Rudiger is in no rush to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new
club, and the Germany international is aware there could be interest from
Premier League sides if he becomes a free agent in the summer.
Asked about his contract situation in an exclusive interview with Sky
Sports, Rudiger said: "Like always, I'm fully committed to the cause.
Talks are between my side and the club, and that's everything you need to
know."
https://i.imgur.com/OiSzaJ7.jpg
When questioned about the big factors that will decide the next step in
his career, the 28-year-old said: "You need to listen to the missus.
"You have to think about your family. My kids were born here in London so
that tells you that my family feel great here. The rest is up to other
people to make decisions and then we will see if we come together or not."
Rudiger is 29 in March and his next contract could be the biggest of his
career, with the former Roma defender keen to be paid what he believes he
is worth.
He has not ruled out signing a new contract with Chelsea, but the European
champions would have to make him the highest-paid defender in the Premier
League if they were to keep him.
Chelsea's most recent contract offer - made at the start of the season -
was dismissed by Rudiger and his representatives as it promised to pay him
only half of what the club's top earners make.
Despite the uncertainty and speculation over his future, Rudiger says it
is "easy" to remain committed to Chelsea for the remainder of his contract.
He said: "Yes, I find it easy to do. I'm not just saying words, I'm fully
committed to the cause. I think I've always shown that.
"There were worse times than this so that's why for me I've found it easy
to deal with. I'm focused on what is happening here and on the pitch.
https://i.imgur.com/MiUngl5.jpg
"I owe it to everyone here around the club, the coach, my team-mates and
my family so that's why I'm only focused about the important things. The
other things are speculation - I cannot say anything about that."
Rudiger joined Chelsea from Roma in July 2017 and has gone on to win the
FA Cup, Europa League and Champions League with the club.
Chelsea could be facing a number of departures in defence this summer,
with captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen also seeing their
contracts expire this summer.
However, Thiago Silva will remain at Stamford Bridge next season after
signing a one-year contract extension this month.