The German defender has decided to part ways with the Blues ahead of the next season.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted the sanctions have prevented Chelsea from doing their best to keep Rudiger at the club.
As reported yesterday, the German star has made a decision to end his stay at Stamford Bridge. According to Athletic, Rudiger will soon decide on his next club.
Speaking after his side’s 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday, Tuchel confirmed the reports on Rudiger’s future.
“Toni, the media is on it,” Tuchel told Sky Sports after Chelsea’s narrow win over West Ham. “The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this is in a private talk.”
Asked about the negotiations, the Blues boss responded:
“We gave everything – me and the club. But we could not fight anymore. Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but out hands are tied. We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.
“He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level.
“He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution.”
As of now, Real Madrid are the front-runners to sign the Chelsea centre-back. However, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the transfer race for the 29-year-old.
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