From CL winner to CL winner: Antonio Rüdiger moves to Real Madrid

Antonio Rüdiger won the Champions League with Chelsea in the previous season, now the German national soccer player is drawn to the reigning winner of the premier class.

From CL winner to CL winner: Antonio Rüdiger moves to Real Madrid

Antonio Rüdiger won the Champions League with Chelsea in the previous season, now the German national soccer player is drawn to the reigning winner of the premier class. Real Madrid make official the signing of the centre-back that has been the subject of speculation for weeks.

It seemed like a poorly kept secret for weeks, now Real Madrid are putting an end to the speculation. The newly crowned Champions League winner has signed Antonio Rüdiger, according to the Madrilenians' official statement, the central defender has signed a four-year contract. Rüdiger joins Chelsea on a free transfer. His contract with the Blues expires at the end of this season, and the Premier League club and the German international have not agreed on an extension.

"Welcome Rüdiger" tweeted Real to a short video showing a photomontage of the 29-year-old in the Madrilenian jersey. The 1.90 meter tall defensive player had become the undisputed regular at Chelsea under team manager Thomas Tuchel. With the Londoners, Rüdiger won the FA Cup in 2018, the Europa League in 2019 and the Champions League in 2021. In the final against Manchester City he was in the starting line-up, played through and then also contributed to the successes in the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

More on that shortly.