Chelsea’s outgoing defender Antonio Rudiger has sent a final message to the Blues fans after being voted in the PFA Team of the Year.
The defender has been officially confirmed as a Real Madrid player, signing a four-year deal in Spain.
Taking to social media, Rudiger penned one final message after being named in the PFA Team of the Season.
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The team was voted for by Premier League players and Rudiger was the only Chelsea name on the team sheet.
He joined former AS Roma teammates and current Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Alisson.
Alongside him in defence was Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Cancelo as former Blue Kevin De Bruyne was named in midfield.
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Bernardo Silva, Thiago, Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo make up the rest of the team.
Rudiger revealed his emotions at being named in the side as he wrote: "Huge honour to be part of the PFA Team of the Year. Thanks to all the players that voted for me."
The 29-year-old will join up with Los Blancos for the new season as Chelsea enter the transfer market for his replacement.
Jules Kounde of Sevilla has been linked with a switch to London, deemed to be the ‘priority’ signing in the transfer window whilst Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and Josko Gvardiol have seen their names linked with a move.
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When asked about Rudiger leaving, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel previously admitted that ‘nobody likes’ his decision.
“I don’t think anybody likes it. He is a huge factor in our one and a half seasons together,” he said.
"He gives confidence in the dressing room, a great character and leader. He is available for 90% of the matches and plays on an outstanding level and gives confidence if you play next to him, around him. He takes sometimes the focus towards him, away from others, takes and loves responsibility.
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"I don’t think anybody likes this decision. We have to accept it and will accept it. Like it or not, there will be life at Chelsea after Toni. For him and for us it is the most important thing to end like it started and has been, on the highest level. This is where the focus needs to be.”
Chelsea will be hoping that they can react to his decision and replace the German in swift fashion as they look to close the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Antonio Rudiger, PFA, Thomas Tuchel, Real Madrid
Nick Emms