Today, on 20th June, Antonio Rudiger had his Real Madrid presentation. The Germany international has signed his contract with the Los Blancos and was presented to the fans. Rudiger will wear the No 22 shirt at Real Madrid.
Rudiger joins on a free transfer from Chelsea and has signed a four-year contract until 2026. He talked to the press after he was unveiled to the Los Blancos fans.
Here’s what Antonio Rudiger had to say after officially signing for Real Madrid
On why he joined Real Madrid
“The most important thing here is to win, it has been shown over the years by lifting many titles. Whatever happens outside, the team always comes out to win.
“Real Madrid have very good players, particularly in my position, that’s normal. But I have enormous self-confidence and I’m going to add competitiveness, because that’s very good for a team. I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to it.
“After all, this is a huge club. I know that I am taking a huge step and I’m a person who tries to enjoy the pressure. I do what I love and I consider myself lucky. This pressure is a pressure that I like.”
On playing against Real Madrid last season
“The game against Real Madrid was a special one, very intense. It was the first time I played at the Bernabéu and for me there were incredible emotions. After the third goal there was still a good atmosphere in the stadium.”
On the club’s icons
“I remember Ronaldo Nazário a lot, for example, he was my idol. Where I grew up we all wanted to be strikers and, specifically, wanted to be like him. I also remember Zidane and his goal against Leverkusen.
“There are many idols I had as a child, but if I had to choose one, I’d say Pepe. He has some characteristics that I love: on the pitch he’s a monster and off the pitch he’s a very nice person.”
On how the transfer came about
“The first contact with Real Madrid was in September 2021, at the beginning, with my agent. The second, in which I already spoke directly with Ancelotti, was in April. This was the key moment, because I made my decision to play in Madrid.
“I spoke with Ancelotti and he told me that he liked me, that he trusted me and that I could help the team. At my age, that’s enough. Obviously at Real Madrid there is a lot of competition, but I’m ready.
“My family is delighted, because they know how big Real Madrid are. They don’t know much about football, but they know Real Madrid. I spoke with my wife… and it was a quick decision.”
On Barcelona’s interest and Mbappé
“Yes, there was interest from Barcelona, but I told my brother (his representative) that what I wanted was to come to Real Madrid. About Mbappé, I don’t know him personally, it’s his business.”
On what he will bring to the dressing room
“I really like to laugh, dance… but all the jokes are always off the pitch, on the pitch I’m very serious. My contribution is my fighting spirit, my leadership, but Rome wasn’t built in two days! So the first thing is to learn Spanish.”
On Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph
“What Real Madrid did in the Champions League is something I wouldn’t even know how to describe. Incredible, incredible. When the final was played I already knew I was going to come and I was cheering for them. I loved that they won.”
On taking the number 22 shirt
“I like the number 2, but Carvajal has it. So I had to choose between 12 or 22, and I chose the second. It’s not something I’ve given much thought to, honestly, I just liked it.”
On making his debut against Barcelona in Las Vegas
“It’s the biggest game in Spain. Even if it’s pre-season, we’ll want to win. I’m very excited to play it, it’s something unique to know that I’ll be there, instead of watching it on TV.”
