Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that defender Antonio Rudiger has decided to leave Chelsea.
The 29 year old's contract expires this summer when he will be able to leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer, and there has been plenty of speculation in recent months surrounding his future.
Speaking to sky sports after Chelsea's 1-0 win over West Ham, Tuchel said,"Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.
"We gave everything-me and the club, but we could not fight anymore because of the actions. Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry things on fighting but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision.
He's 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 go find another solution, he added.