Germany boss Joachim Low has revealed Antonio Rudiger 'tried everything' to leave Chelsea during the summer transfer window and will likely depart in January.
Rudiger was strongly linked with a move to AC Milan with Tottenham also said to be interested on transfer deadline day.
But a move never came about and Rudiger now has the unenvious task of fighting for his place at centre-back, a crowded position at Stamford Bridge amid the presence of Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Fikayo Tomori.
Though, it wasn't for a lack of trying, Germany boss Low revealing Rudiger did all he could to seek a move.
“I've been keeping an eye on things the last few days, what happened in the final hours [of the transfer window], how many changes there were at the last minute. I think a lot of players will get game time this season – 11 players can't get you through a whole season,” he said in a Germany press conference.
“I was in constant contact with Toni Rudiger, he was keeping me in the loop. He had three or four options over the weekend but unfortunately, nothing materialised – he can try again in the winter.
“He can put in a great performance even without a few weeks of match practice. I've been walking the path with him over the past few years and we've had a dialogue since the very beginning. His development over the past four or five years has been great.
“He has established himself as a top international player. In terms of athleticism, dynamism and tough duels, he maintains his top level for a few weeks even without match practice.
“He tried everything to leave Chelsea because the European Championship is very important to him. I think he'll try to leave again in the winter. He's doing everything he can to stay in his best form.”
Rudiger has a contract at Chelsea until 2022 but could be shown the door well before then having struggled for game time under Frank Lampard, yet to make a Premier League appearance so far this season.
