‘I don’t want to go deep, but he’s leaving Chelsea because of Frank Lampard’ – Pundit finally says of Chelsea player
Antonio Rudiger will be a major loss for Chelsea, according to Arsenal star Paul Merson, who blames former Blues manager Frank Lampard for his departure.
Lampard’s treatment of Antonio Rudiger, according to Merson, prompted the German international to quit Chelsea 18 months ago.
Under Lampard, Rudiger was frozen out of the team and on his way out of Chelsea before Thomas Tuchel arrived.
Paul Merson said: “Losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid is going to break Chelsea’s heart – but his mind was made up 18 months ago with the way he was treated by Frank Lampard.
“Rudiger got completely binned out the team by Lampard and I think that left a lasting effect on Rudiger. That’s when he decided that he’s not signing a new contract.
“Chelsea are letting a £70m-80m defender go on a free transfer, and they’re going to bring someone in for £70m in that will be nowhere as good as Rudiger.
“They’re going to have to strengthen in defence, as Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are going to leave. I like Trevoh Chalobah, but they play three at the back, so they’ll need to bring in another defender.”
Rudiger himself has admitted that he made up his mind to leave the club before the sanctions hit Chelsea.
“I don’t want to go into deep things,” Rudiger said after the FA Cup final.
“There was a chance but sanctions was not the problem.”