Antonio Rudiger says he never considered joining any team other than Real Madrid this summer despite the interest from Manchester United.
The German defender has signed a four-year contract with the La Liga giants after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer.
United were also reported to be vying for the 29-year-old’s signature, with Erik ten Hag wanting to improve his defence after Harry Maguire’s struggles last campaign.
But, Rudiger has revealed a move to Old Trafford was never in the pipeline despite reports.
Speaking to Marca, he said: ‘In this period it is true that there have been many conversations, but if I am honest, I only considered Madrid or Chelsea.’
Rudiger was highly coveted having become a mainstay at Stamford Bridge under German coach Thomas Tuchel. Last season, he player over 54 matches and starred in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2021.
With his Premier League experience, Rudiger could have helped to patch up the Red Devils’ leaky backline.
United conceded 57 league goals last season – the worst record in the top eight – with Raphael Varane struggling since his arrival from Real Madrid.
Speaking during his time as interim head coach at Old Trafford, Ralf Rangnick berated United’s defence after surrendering several leads in matches last campaign.
He said: ‘How many games we have been 1-0 or 2-0 up and in the end only got a point – it’s easily six, eight points that we should have. But it brings us back to the same situation, that we just didn’t defend well enough.
‘If you want to defend properly in this league, where every team has its individual weapons on the pitch, you just have to defend. You have to be physical, you shouldn’t just allow them to go past and through our lines as easy as that. That’s what this team doesn’t do well enough.’
