It was known for quite a while that Rüdiger would become a Madridista at the end of the season but now everything is finally presented to the public and the fans. Antonio Rüdiger attended the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital on Monday 20, where he successfully underwent his medical ahead of his unveiling as a new Real Madrid player. Real secured Germany international on a free transfer, as he didn’t renew his expiring contract with Chelsea.
His presentation and unveiling as a new Real Madrid player took place at Real Madrid City, getting underway with a video of the player's best moments. Those who were present watched a beautiful compilation of his best moments and achievements at various clus like Roma, Chelsea etc. and of course at his National Team. Following the introduction, it was president Florentino Pérez who opened the presentation with a speech, followed then by the player’s words.
The president said: "Today, Real Madrid marks the arrival of one of those great players who will help us to be stronger and even more competitive. Joining us today is a wonderful footballer, a man who will put his heart and soul into every match as we look to pursue our grand objectives for yet another season".
He continued: “It will be another year in which we continue to fight for every available trophy with humility, commitment and that immense desire and ambition which have always been present in the Real Madrid spirit ever since its origins. Today marks the arrival of a great player who possesses all the attributes required to represent the greatest club in history. We welcome Antonio Rüdiger. We are happy to be able to count on you to continue adding to this club's great history. That's why we're so delighted to be bringing in a player, like yourself, who has won all there is to win".
Choosing Real Madrid: “From this point forward, you are part of a family and a unique club, the club of the 14 European Cups. All of us here, our members and our fans, are thrilled to have a player like you here, one who has done everything in their power to make sure this day has come in order for you to fulfil one of your greatest dreams - pulling on the jersey with which you wish to complete an incredible sporting career”.
“It's a career that has given you the opportunity to choose between the best clubs. You have chosen this crest, in order to experience the feelings and emotions at our Santiago Bernabéu stadium which, from this moment forward, will give you the strength you need to achieve goals that others may consider impossible".
Challenge: “You have opted for the biggest challenge of your career to date and an experience that brings with it the immense responsibility which defines us. We are certain you'll take on this new stage with the courage and character you have shown throughout your life. Madridismo will be right beside you, ensuring that in the toughest times, you still feel like, with this jersey, you can achieve things which are difficult to explain. Things that happen which enamour and thrill all football lovers. Here, you will come to learn that madridismo is a way of life”.
The it was Rüdiger’s turn to say his word. The German expressed his happiness and motivation he feels as he became a new Madrid player. As an experienced player with a rich background in different leagues and levels he knows that he is set to reach the peak of his career with this move. Rüdiger expressed his willingness to give his best to make this experience a unique one.
He said: “This is a very special day for my family and for me. I'd like to thank my parents because without them, I never would have got here. They have always supported me and that's been hugely important throughout my life. I'd also like to thank the president for giving me the chance to play for this great club. I can promise you that I'll give my all for this club to win every possible trophy. Hala Madrid y nada más!”.
Prior to the presentation event, Antonio Rüdiger signed his new four-year contract with our club in the meeting rooms at Real Madrid City, accompanied by president Florentino Pérez. Having signed the deal, the German centre-back was given a watch, a replica of the Santiago Bernabéu and a jersey printed with his name and the number 22. Rüdiger then, pulled on the Real Madrid jersey for the first time. Following his unveiling and the press conference, the German defender got into his new kit and took to Pitch 3 at Real Madrid City.
Following his unveiling as a new Real Madrid player, Antonio Rüdiger appeared in his first press conference. The German defender reflected: "The most important thing here is winning, that's been shown throughout the years in the titles and all the Champions League trophies they've won. Even when there are doubts outside the club, Real Madrid has been able to achieve things and it's been incredible".
“The match I played with Chelsea at the Bernabéu was special, so intense. It was my first time playing at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match went pretty well for the team and it was an incredible feeling for me. After the third goal, there was still a really positive atmosphere. I took away amazing feelings and having the chance to play for a club like this is unbelievable", he added.
What can he bring to Real Madrid's defence: “Real Madrid have so many really top players, particularly in my position, but I feel pretty confident. My contribution will be based on a competitive edge, a healthy element for any time and something that drives us to keep fighting. It's a challenge that really piqued my interest”.
Experience of other leagues: “To have the opportunity to play in several leagues is amazing. The German league is incredibly physical, Italy is a more tactical country and it's important to control every game. In the Premier League, you have to play so many games and every single one is high-intensity. It's a very physical league. The Spanish league has some lovely football, with a high press and that's a challenge for me, I'm very excited".
What did Real Madrid mean to him as a kid: “I remember Ronaldo Nazario, he was my idol. Everybody wanted to be a forward and be like Ronaldo. Then Zidane as well, who scored that incredible Champions League final goal".
Choice: “The first contact between Real Madrid and my agent came in September last year. The second time I spoke to Ancelotti himself was in April. My contact with him was the most important moment and that's when I made the decision to join this club. He told me he wanted me here, he trusted me, and that I could really help the team. At my age, that's more than enough. We're talking about Ancelotti. I know at Madrid there will always be competition but I'm ready to fight for my place".
Contact with his former teammates: “Sometimes, someone will try and get in touch and convince you but they're decisions you have to make for yourself and I didn't talk to any of the guys who are here that I've played with in the past".
Settling in: “I'm not how you'd imagine off the pitch. I like to talk, laugh dance, but on the pitch I'm very serious and I don't like to joke around. My contribution to the dressing room will be a fighting spirit and my leadership. First things first, learning the language, which is very important, then the rest comes. I will try and learn Spanish as quickly as possible”.
Madrid defenders that have made an impression on him: “There are lots of top class defenders but if I had to pick one, it'd be Pepe. He has attributes I love. And off the pitch, from what I've seen, he's a good guy, but on the pitch he's a monster".
How hard was it to play the Champions League game against Real Madrid: “Honestly, it was easy. Nothing was certain at that point. Even if it had been, the important thing is to be professional and at that time, my goal was to knock out Real Madrid. We did all we could but it wasn't possible”.
Real Madrid comebacks: “I simply wouldn't know how to describe what Real Madrid achieved in the Champions League this year. It was unbelievable. Obviously, by the time the final came around I knew I was going to play for Real Madrid. I was right behind them and I was thrilled when they won it. I played against Liverpool with my team and I wanted them to win. Next year, I want to keep competing for more titles”.
Increased pressure when coming to the biggest club in history: “At the end of the day, it's a very big club. I feel very fortunate to be here and do what I do. It's a pressure I enjoy having”.
Number 22: “I like the number 2 in general. It's Carvajal's number, so I had to choose between 12 and 22 and I went for the 22. I haven't thought about it too much, I just like the number".
Interest from other clubs and understanding Mbappé: “There was interest from Barça but I told my brother I wanted to play for Real Madrid or nobody. As for Mbappé, I don't know him well. I'm very happy to be here and each person has to make their own decisions".
Playing style: “Speed is very important today as a defender because so many forwards are really quick and agile. You also have to press high and be able to track back with the strikers".
His family’s reaction to the move: “My family are thrilled with the opportunity because they know how big this club is. They don't know much about football but they know who Real Madrid are. It was a straightforward decision".
Potential Clásico debut: “It's the biggest game in Spain. Even though it's just a pre-season friendly, we want to win it. I'm very excited to be able to play in the match and not just watch it on TV".
Differences between Chelsea and Madrid: “I don't like to make comparisons between clubs because everywhere I have played has been very important in my professional career. At Madrid there is a lot of pressure which you can't escape from and you have to try and enjoy that".
Presentation in the meeting rooms: “It made quite the impression because seeing all those trophies lined up shows you the only objective at this club, which is to win things, and I want to be part of that".
Rüdiger was joined in the press conference by Emilio Butragueño. Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations was the first to speak: “Dear Antonio, it's an honour for us to have a player like you here, with the fantastic career you've had. We're sure you're going to help us rise to the challenges we set ourselves every season. From now on, Real Madrid is your home and we wish you and your family the happiest of times here. Congratulations, welcome, and good luck".
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