Antonio Rudiger has opted to abandon Chelsea at the end of the season, and the defender will join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.
As the defender nears a free transfer to Real Madrid, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says "nobody likes" Antonio Rudiger's decision to leave the club this summer.
Rudiger, whose contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season, is close to signing a four-year deal with Real, and Tuchel revealed over the weekend that he had decided to reject a new contract and join a new club.
A number of clubs across Europe, including those in the Premier League, are still interested in the 29-year-old, but he is set to move to the Bernabeu while talks with Real continue.
Rudiger's representatives met with Barcelona last month, and he's also been linked with Manchester United, PSG, and Juventus.
When asked about the decision of the Germany international to leave, Tuchel stated, "I don't think anybody likes it." He instills confidence in everyone in the locker room. He is a one-of-a-kind character who performs at a high level. He enjoys being the center of attention, and he enjoys taking on responsibility.
"No one likes this decision, but we must accept it." Whether you like it or not, life will go on at Chelsea after Toni. The most important thing for us is that it ends on the highest possible note."
Rudiger has been an integral part of Chelsea's recent success, despite winning five trophies with the club, including the Champions League last season.
Tuchel added, when asked how he was coping without him: "It is my responsibility. Regardless of how the situation is resolved or how active we can be in the transfer market, we will dig in and try to squeeze everything out of the squad that we have.
"I'll fall in love with my squad and push it to its limits. It was a pleasure to spend every day with Toni; however, I am concerned that we have talked about it too much in the past because there are still big things to accomplish.
"Whether we like it or not, life will go on from pre-season next season, and I will be engrossed with all my heart and all my knowledge."
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