Antonio Rudiger leaves Chelsea for Real Madrid on free transfer

Geman international defender turned down new contract at Stamford Bridge in favour of switch to Bernabeu

Antonio Rudiger waves to the Chelsea fans after the final Premier League match of the 2021/22 season at Stamford Bridge, London, on Sunday, May 22, 2022. It was confirmed by the London club on Thursday that the defender will join Real Madrid on a free transfer. PA

Antonio Rudiger applauds the Chelsea fans after being substituted in what would prove to be his final game for the club, a 2-1 Premier League win against Watford on May 22, 2022. PA

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger in action with Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on May 19, 2022. PA

Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku, left, celebrates with his teammate Antonio Rudiger after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League match against Wolves at Stamford Bridge, London, Saturday, May 7, 2022. AP Photo

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger celebrates scoring their second goal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid on April 12, 2022. It was announced on Monday that the Germany international will join the Spanish giants on a free transfer. PA

Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger tackles Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on January 15, 2022. AFP

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger celebrates scoring during the Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. PA

Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel embraces defender Antonio Rudiger after the Premier League match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on January 2, 2022. AFP

Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger celebrates his team's third goal during the Premier League match against Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. AFP

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger gives his shirt to a fan after the Premier League match against Wolves at Molineux on Sunday December 19, 2021. PA

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger and Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier battle for the ball during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, London on Saturday, December 11, 2021. PA

Manchester United's Scott McTominay clashes with Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger during the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on November 28, 2021. Reuters

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has completed a move to Real Madrid on a free transfer, the Premier League club have confirmed.

The German signed a four-year deal with the Spanish champions after rejecting Chelsea's offer of a new contract. His current Stamford Bridge deal comes to an end this month.

The 29-year-old moved to Chelsea five years ago from Italian club Roma for £29 million and has made 133 appearances for the London club, scoring nine goals.

He won the FA Cup in his first season, followed by the Europa League in 2019 and the Champions League in 2021.

The centre-back caught the eye of many of Europe's top clubs with his powerful performances during Chelsea's run to this season's Champions League quarter-finals - in which the Blues were narrowly beaten by Real Madrid.

A statement on Chelsea's website read: "We bid farewell to Antonio Rudiger as he departs Stamford Bridge with his Chelsea contract expiring, bringing to a close his five trophy-filled years with the club.

"The German defender has left the Blues to join Real Madrid, having played a huge role in our successes in recent seasons.

"Rudiger lifted the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup with Chelsea, playing a crucial role in all those triumphs at the heart of our defence."

The Germany international said on Instagram: "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."