German midfielder Antonio Rudiger has revealed that he made his decision to sign for Spanish capital giants, Real Madrid, and snub Catalonia giants, Barcelona in April. The former Chelsea player has now signed a four-year contract with the UEFA Champions League winners. He did not extend his contract at Stamford Bridge following its expiration ending a five-year stay at the Blues. His spell with Chelsea saw him lift the UCL in the 2020-21 campaign, The Emirates FA Cup during the 2017-18 season, and the UEFA Europa League during the 2018-19 season. Rudiger explained that Madrid first made contact with his agent in September before a further follow-up in April, when he made the decision to join Carlo Ancelotti's side – and added he rejected the advances of Los Blancos' rivals Barca. 

In the German international words; "The first time I spoke with Ancelotti was in April and that contact was very important, that's when I decided to play for this club. Other people have contacted me, but I was convinced of what I wanted. Of course, there was an offer from Barcelona. But I told my brother [and agent] it's Real or nothing." He now faces a task ahead of him as he will have to fight for a chance in Carlo Ancelotti's regular starting 11. His competition in the team will be Eder Militao and David Alaba.

The former Roma player is, however, confident to be in Ancelotti's starting lineup as he further added; “Ancelotti told me that he wanted me at Real Madrid and that he trusted me and that he would depend on me. That's enough for me. It's Madrid and you can't guarantee anything but I'm ready to fight to play.” Rudiger will now wear the number 22 jersey. The jersey was vacated by Isco who left Real Madrid after his contract expiration.