New Actual Madrid signing Antonio Rudiger has revealed the 2 Galacticos whom he idolised rising up.
Following 5 extremely profitable seasons at Chelsea, the place he grew to become one of many main centre-backs in European soccer, Rudiger will transfer to the Spanish capital on a free switch, signing a four-year contract.
The 29-year-old was a part of Thomas Tuchel’s aspect that gained the Blues’ second UEFA Champions League title final yr. He is now set to change into a key member of reigning European champions Madrid’s again 4 subsequent season.
After passing a medical, Rudiger has revealed how a lot he admired Actual Madrid rising up, naming Ronaldo Nazario and Zinedine Zidane particularly. The German worldwide advised a press convention (as per Mundo Deportivo):
“I keep in mind Ronaldo Nazario; he was my idol. All of us needed to be like him. Zidane too, the purpose he scored in opposition to Leverkusen.”
The purpose in opposition to Leverkusen Rudiger referred to was Zidane’s iconic left-footed volley from outdoors the penalty field within the 2002 Champions League remaining, which Los Blancos gained 2-1 at Hampden Park.
Zidane performed alongside Ronaldo for 4 seasons after the Brazilian celebrity ahead moved to the Bernabeu from Inter Milan following the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Each gamers are thought of two of the best within the fashionable period and have three Ballon d’Or wins between them.
Antonio Rudiger credit Carlo Ancelotti for convinving him to affix Actual Madrid
Rudiger, a former AS Roma centre-back, will face stiff competitors to start out for Madrid. That is as a result of the likes of Eder Militao and David Alaba at Madrid are among the many easiest in his place.
Nonetheless, when requested why he selected Actual Madrid, the defender stated that their supervisor Carlo Ancelotti had spoken with him, which ultimately sealed his resolution. Rudiger stated:
“The primary time there was contact between Madrid and my agent was in September; the second time I spoke with Ancelotti was in April. That was a very powerful factor. It was there that I made the choice to play for Madrid with Ancelotti.”
The German added:
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“The dialog with Ancelotti. He advised me that he trusted me, that he anticipated quite a bit, that I may assist them. … and that is quite a bit. We’re speaking about Ancelotti. We already know that there’s competitors at Madrid, however I am able to battle for my place.”
Rudiger had a strong 2021-22 season, bagging 5 targets and 4 assists in 54 video games throughout competitions, with the Blues successful two competitions and reaching the ultimate of one other two.
