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Thomas Tuchel speaks out for the first time on Antonio Rudiger's impending Chelsea exit, as he insists sanctions ensured they 'could not fight anymore' to keep out-of-contract star... and club did 'everything' to try and convince him to stay

Thomas Tuchel insisted Chelsea could not have done any more to try and keep Antonio Rudiger after confirming the Germany defender will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

Rudiger will depart Stamford Bridge after rejecting the chance to become the highest-paid defender in the club's history, amid interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Juventus.

The 29-year-old almost left Stamford Bridge during Frank Lampard's tenure but has excelled under Tuchel, transforming his Chelsea career to become an integral part of the Blues' 2021 Champions League triumph.