Antonio Rudiger says his ‘family feels great’ in London but ‘the rest is up to other people’ when it comes to deciding his future, with the player out of contract at Chelsea in the summer.
Rudiger played a key role in Chelsea’s Champions League success last campaign and has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League under Thomas Tuchel.
But, there remains uncertainty over Rudiger’s future, with the defender free to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs as of January 1 amid strong interest from Real Madrid, PSG & Juventus.
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Chelsea’s direct rivals, Manchester United, are also reported to be plotting a move. Ralf Rangnick’s good relationship with Rudiger’s half-brother and agent, Sahr Senesie, could give the Red Devils the upper hand in the race for the player.
Tuchel has been calm about the situation and remains hopeful it will be resolved soon. But the major sticking point in Chelsea’s talks with Rudiger have been wage demands, with the player currently earning around £100,000-per-week.
Rudiger reportedly wants in excess of £200,000-per-week to stay on in London, but Chelsea are yet to come close to that figure and talks are ongoing.
Asked for an update on the situation, Rudiger told Sky Sports: ‘I’m fully committed like always, down for the cause. ‘At the end of the day, talks are between my side and the club.’
Asked whether it’s easy to shut out the noise surrounding his future, Rudiger said: ‘Yes, I find it easy to do because these are not only words that I’m saying, that I’m fully committed here to the cause. I think I’ve always shown it.
‘There was also bad times, much worse times than this, so that’s why I find it easy to deal with that because I’m focussed on what is happening here, what is happening on the pitch and I owe it to everyone here around the club.
‘I owe to to the coach, my team-mates and my family so that’s why I’m only focussed about the important things.’
Rudiger’s next deal could be the last long-term contract of his career and his family will likely be a major factor in his decision.
‘You need to listen to the missus. You have to think about your family, obviously,’ the former Roma and Stuttgart man added.
‘But I’ve always said that my kids were born here in London so that tells you that my family feels great here, but the rest is up to other people. ‘They have to make decisions and we will see.’
