British media: Rudiger returns to Sierra Leone to set up a foundation Chelsea is still optimistic about the renewal of the contract

According to Football London, Chelsea defender Rudiger was found to have done some charity work in his native Sierra Leone. Recently, the Germany international just turned down a £200,000-a-week contract extension offered by the Blues, while Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus are all rumored to be in contact with him.

Rudiger, Azpilicueta and Christensen's contracts will all expire at the end of the season. Stamford Bridge believes that of the three defenders, it is likely that someone will leave the team freely this summer, and Comte, Jules and De Ligt are all considered to be the possible replacements for Chelsea.

Rudiger allegedly listed Real Madrid and Juve as the two main negotiators – the latter of which could give Chelsea a head start in the chase for De Ligt. In addition, although the latest round of negotiations between the two sides broke down again, Rudiger is considered to have a better chance of renewing his contract than Azpilicueta and Christensen. Several media outlets, including The Athletic and Metro, confirmed that the players wanted a £225,000 weekly salary, while the Blues remained "optimistic" about a final agreement.

The details of the behind-the-scenes negotiations are not known, but Rudiger has been active in the public eye. He recently returned to Sierra Leone to express support for the team's performance in the Africa Cup of Nations. An Ins account called SAIFPR revealed that Rudiger had set up a foundation called AR in his own name in order to provide help and support to the motherland.

Through Chelsea's official website, Rudiger wrote: "It's been a tough time. But you know how busy the schedule will be once you sign with this club! Rest is always good, but for me personally, we can also continue if needed because you have to be ready at all times, like the FA Cup against Plymouth. Even with the pandemic, we were training every day, which of course was difficult, but we survived. ”

With Thiago Silva being called up by Brazil, Rudiger, returning to London from Sierra Leone, will start in the FA Cup.

(Felix Cat)