Chelsea: Antonio Rudiger says he is ‘happy’ despite growing contract uncertainty

Antonio Rudiger insists he is ‘happy’ at Chelsea despite growing uncertainty over a new contract as the German defender says talks with Marina Granovskaia are for ‘nobody’s ears’

  • Antonio Rudiger insists he is ‘happy’ at Chelsea despite his contract uncertainty 
  • The 28-year-old’s current deal at Stamford Bridge will expire next summer 
  • Rudiger says negotiations with Marina Granovskaia are nobody’s business
  • The German also lavished praise on Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel’s influence 


Antonio Rudiger has insisted he is ‘happy’ at Chelsea as the in-demand defender stressed that he is fully focused on his performances amid the German’s contract uncertainty. 

The clock is ticking for Chelsea and Rudiger to reach an agreement over a contract extension, with the 28-year-old’s current deal expiring next summer.

If no agreement is finalised by January 1, 2022, Rudiger will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs with a view to joining at the expiration of his deal at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

Antonio Rudiger has insisted he is ‘happy’ at Chelsea despite concerns around his future

Rudiger has been a star performer for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel, having failed to flourish under former boss Frank Lampard. His performances have resulted in interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Tottenham and Man City. 

However, the German says he is ‘happy’ at Chelsea before insisting that the status of negotiations between his representatives and club chief Marina Granovskaia is nobody else’s business. 

‘The most important thing is that I feel happy here. I think if people look at it, they can see I’m happy,’ he told The Guardian.

The German's contract is set to expire next summer with no signs of a new agreement

The German’s contract is set to expire next summer with no signs of a new agreement

Rudiger says talks between with Marina Granovskaia are nobody's business

Rudiger says talks between with Marina Granovskaia are nobody’s business

‘About the contract situation, I talk with the club. This is for nobody’s ears. It was how I said it would be after the Euros – there would be talks.

‘There was a talk between Marina and my agent. We have the situation where we are at now and I have nothing to do with all the speculation.

‘This is not in my mind. I’m focused on what I’m doing because this is why I wake up every morning.’

Rudiger has been a revelation under fellow countryman Tuchel. The 28-year-old was integral to Chelsea’s rock-solid defence that took the Blues to Champions League glory in Portugal, and will hope to have a helping hand in the Premier League leader’s title charge this campaign.

The German has lavished praise on his current boss, admitting that his arrival was the turning point he badly needed.

‘Tuchel gave me new life,’ Rüdiger said. ‘I wouldn’t say he said: “You have to be the biggest speaker in the dressing room.” I’m not like this. I like to show everything on the pitch. 

‘He told me what he expects – my natural game: to be aggressive, to be a leader.’ 

Rudiger also hailed Thomas Tuchel's influence since he arrived at Chelsea last January

Rudiger also hailed Thomas Tuchel’s influence since he arrived at Chelsea last January

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