Real confirm signing of Rudiger

<p>Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer after the defender’s contract at Chelsea expired.</p>, <p>The German said: “I’m proud to announce that I’ll be joining Real Madrid. I’m super excited for all the challenges ahead and can’t wait to play my first games for this huge club.”</p>, <p>It is reported the 29-year-old has signed a four-year deal at the Bernabeu until the summer of 2026.</p>, <p>“I’m proud to announce that I’ll be joining @RealMadrid 🙏🏾💪🏾🙌🏾 I’m super excited for all the challenges ahead and can’t wait to play my first games for this huge club.” Rudiger wrote.</p>, <p>ALSO READ: ‘Rudiger rejects Chelsea contract extension offer’</p>, <p>His contract with the LaLiga side will be worth in the region of £315,000-per-week.</p>, <p>He will also net a signing on fee that will take his wage significantly north of that figure.</p>, <p>Sources close to the deal have also indicated that Rudiger’s release clause at Madrid will be €400m (£342m).</p>, <p>The eye-watering financial package is worth significantly more than the £230,000-per-week deal Chelsea were offering him to stay at Stamford Bridge.</p>, <p>However, Rudiger turned down bigger offers from elsewhere in Europe to sign for Real, who were the defender’s first-choice destination ever since talks opened in January.</p>, <p>Manchester United, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus were all interested in Rudiger.</p>, <p>Rudiger won the Champions League last season having been brought back into the side by Thomas Tuchel following the sacking of Frank Lampard.</p>, <p>ALSO READ: ‘Rudiger rejects Chelsea contract extension offer’</p>, <p>In five years at Stamford Bridge, the Germany international also won the FA Cup, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.</p>, <p>He joined the Blues from Roma in 2017 when the west London club were managed by Antonio Conte.</p>