Rudiger explains about not extending contract with Chelsea

Chelsea defender

, who is close to joining

, explained that his contract with

will not be extended.

The 29-year-old defender will leave Stamford Bridge in the summer after five years at Chelsea and more than 200 games with the club. Rudiger won the FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup with Chelsea. However, he turned down Chelsea's offers to extend his contract and will leave the club in the summer. Now the German defender has explained his reasoning for not reaching an agreement with the club.

“Unfortunately, my contract negotiations had already started to get difficult last fall.

“Business is business, but when you don’t hear any news from the club from August to January, the situation becomes complicated.

“After the first offer, there was a long gap of just nothing. We’re not robots, you know? You cannot wait for months with so much uncertainty about your future.

“Obviously, no one saw the sanctions coming, but in the end, other big clubs were showing interest, and I had to make a decision. I will leave it at that, because business aside, I have nothing bad to say about this club.

“Chelsea will always be in my heart. London will always be my home.

“I came here alone, and now I have a wife and two beautiful kids. I also have a new brother for life named Kova. I have an FA Cup, a Europa League and a Champions League medal. Of course, I have hundreds of memories that will stay with me forever.

“I leave this club with a heavy heart. It has meant everything to me. Even this season, with all the complications, has been enjoyable.”

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