Antonio Rudiger is enjoying his start to life with Real Madrid and he revealed an unexpected but appreciated dinner with coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The 29-year-old German centre back joined Los Blancos on a four-year deal in the summer after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer. He’s appeared in all six of their opening La Liga games and scored in their 4-1 win over RCD Mallorca earlier this month. Rudiger is a strong and unique defender, a player already missed in West London.
Speaking to Sport1, Rudiger first discussed how it felt to arrive in the Spanish capital in the summer.
“I only finished realising everything after my move. Suddenly I was at home and I had a wonderful feeling. Then came the meeting with Ancelotti and my presentation a day later.”
He then recounted his unexpected initial meeting with Ancelotti, which came a day before his official presentation at Real Madrid.
“I had only been with my family in my new house for a few hours when the doorbell rang. I opened the door and it was Carlo Ancelotti. A shocking moment.
“He sat down at the table to eat with us and meet my family. He stayed for two hours, we talked about everything.
“I had never experienced anything like that, no coach had ever done anything like that for me.”
Finally, Rudiger praised his new coach and looked at some of his impressive achievements.
“Don Carlo, a legend who was already collecting Champions League titles when I was a kid. Working with him on a daily basis at the most successful club in the world is wonderful.”
During his five years in the Premier League, Rudiger made 203 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists. He helped the side win the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the Europa League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup.
Grande Don Carlo! And this is coming fron an Inter fan.
Yeah he is literally among the best managers ever no doubt no one has won as much as he has and in so many leagues. Hope he takes over the Azzuri next after the Euros next summer. What a way for him to end his glorious career by taking the Azzuri to a World Cup in the US after missing out on two World Cups and taking us to the glory land. That would be a fitting way for Don Carlo to finish his career and literally win everything.
Yes I agree Ancelotti would make a great Italy coach, as his rapport with the players is second to none