Thomas Tuchel confirms Antonio Rudiger will leave Chelsea

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has announced that Antonio Rudiger has decided to leave Stamford Bridge in favor of a free transfer. Chelsea have always discussed the issue of maintaining player service, but recent government restrictions have prevented the Blues from continuing negotiations on new terms. After reports surfaced earlier this week that Rudiger had decided to leave West London, Tuchel admitted on Sunday that one of his star players is leaving the club. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, Tuchel said: "The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this is in a private talk. We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the actions. "Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but out hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision. "He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution."