Real Madrid and PSG have had a bit of a rivalry on and off the pitch in recent years. Last season, they met in the Champions League Round of 16, with Los Blancos coming out on top. Of course, there is not much left to be said about the entire Kylian Mbappe saga, and yet it is still ongoing. And they found themselves on opposite sides when it came to the European Super League as well.
And it appears that PSG were after the signature of Antonio Rudiger as well. But the German defender chose to join Real Madrid instead.
Rudiger was available as a free agent, with his Chelsea contract running out. During his last 18 months at Stamford Bridge, he had been one of the best centre-backs in the world and won the Champions League as well. Understandably, there was plenty of interest in signing him.
The Real Madrid star has now explained his decision. As reported by Daily Post Nigeria, he said while speaking with Canal+ Afrique:
"“There were a lot of rumours when PSG came, it was something I wasn’t looking for. It is nothing against PSG, it is a beautiful club. But Real Madrid are Real Madrid.“If you want to be on the winning side, you join Real Madrid.”"
Real Madrid star explains why he rejected PSG move
Signing Rudiger as a free agent was a smart move on the part of Los Blancos. Yes, he might not be performing at the levels which he had shown at Chelsea during his last 18 months there. But still, he has been contributing to the side.
Rudiger had faced quite a bit of criticism for his performances earlier on in the campaign. But as the season has progressed, one has to admit that he has gotten a lot better as have the Real Madrid defence as a whole.
Thus, Rudiger might not be a nailed on starter in Carlo Ancelotti’s team at the moment. But he is definitely someone who has a role in the team and can be relied upon, if the situation calls for it.