New Chelsea signing’s reply when asked if he watched Blues last season
Antonio Rudiger admits he kept tabs on Chelsea throughout their title-winning season under Antonio Conte last term
Antonio Rudiger was already keeping tabs on Chelsea during their title-winning season under Antonio Conte.
The Germany defender completed a £34m move to the Premier League champions from Serie A giants AS Roma at the weekend.
Rudiger became Antonio Conte’s second signing of the summer in what has been a frustrating spell for the Blues.
The 24-year-old will be tasked with bolstering the Italian’s defence following the departure of club legend and former captain John Terry.
However, the former Stuttgart defender’s biggest challenge will be breaking into Conte’s impressive back three in the 2016-17 campaign.
Chelsea relied heavily on Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz throughout the 2016-17 season as the west London side finished with the second-best defensive record.
And Rudiger will know just how good the three centre-halves were in Conte’s team after the new Chelsea signing revealed that he did regularly watch the Blues last term.
Asked whether he kept tabs on Chelsea last season, Rudiger told the club’s website: “Yes, of course.
“In my opinion the Premier League is the best in the world, where every player wants to play.
“I followed the matches and it was a great season for Chelsea. They deserved their success.”
Chelsea have also signed Manchester City reserve goalkeeper Willy Caballero to replace Bosnian shot stopper Asmir Begovic as Thibaut Courtois’ understudy.
The Blues finished seven points clear of their closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the title race last season.
