DBasia.news – Arsenal and England legend, Paul Merson blamed former Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard for Antonio Rudiger not renewing his contract with the Blues.
The German international player will join Real Madrid after agreeing a four-year contract some time ago.
“Losing Rudiger to Real Madrid would break Chelsea’s heart but his mind has changed 18 months ago with him being treated by Lampard,” Merson wrote in his column for Sky Sports.
“He was literally kicked out of Lampard’s side and I think that made an impression on Rudiger. That’s when he decided that he didn’t sign a new contract.”
“Now Chelsea are letting a defender worth £70-80 million leave on a free transfer and they are going to sign a player for £70 million who won’t be as good as Rudiger.”
“They have to strengthen their defense because Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are leaving. I like Trevoh Chalobah but they are playing at a back three so they need to bring in another defender.”
Merson also revealed that now the Blues are one very good team, which should be a strong reason for Rudiger to stay.
“Years ago, if Real Madrid and Barcelona came to you, you would go.” “But now I don’t see it that way anymore.”
“Chelsea are as good as Real Madrid, you can see that in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Blues had a bad 45 minutes, but apart from that they are a team far superior to Real Madrid.”