‘I will be sad’: Frank Leboeuf says he is upset by what is reportedly going to happen to ‘fantastic’ Chelsea player

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Frank Leboeuf admits Antonio Rudiger’s departure from Chelsea will leave him with a heavy heart.

Speaking on ESPN, Leboeuf confessed his feeling of sorrow following the major news concerning the German international.

Yesterday, Thomas Tuchel announced that Rudiger is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Talks over a new contract have come to a standstill, hindered in no small part by the changing of owners.

The defender had apparently previously been willing to wait for Roman Abramovich’s successor to be installed before making a final decision about his future.

However, with the process still continuing, the 29-year-old seemingly could not hold out any longer.

Whilst nothing has been officially confirmed by the player or Chelsea, all of the indications and reports are that a deal with Real Madrid is on the horizon.

Carlo Ancelotti’s employers have chased Rudiger for some time, pushed on by the manager himself, but now it finally looks like they’ll get their man.

Lebouef mourns Chelsea’s loss

What a signing it will be for Madrid; what a major blunder it could be for the Blues.

“A big one”, remarked Lebouef when asked how huge a loss the centre-half will be for Chelsea.

“And in fact since Tuchel signed for the club, we discovered a new Rudiger and because of him he made him indispensable and he’s been absolutely fantastic.

“He’s been a warrior outside on the field, but I was told also in the dressing room. Fantastic player, fantastic man.

“I saw even him screaming at N’Golo Kante. Nobody wants to scream at N’Golo Kante, he is perfect, he does everything perfectly! But that is not enough for Rudiger.

“I love Antonio Rudiger. He’s had a great time in the past year-and-a-half, helped Chelsea win the Champions League and he’s at the end of his contract. He’s aging and he has the right to choose his future.

“I will be sad, because he’s an important person.”

We will miss you, Rudi

Unquestionably, Rudiger has been one of the most influential figures in Chelsea’s recent uprising.

This wasn’t the case until Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard and promoted his fellow countryman to a prominent position in the side.

Only Mason Mount has made more appearances for the Blues boss (74) than Rudiger (71), an indication of the trust between the two compatriots.

A bond that will be broken if the centre-back sets sail over the summer, a scenario that is on the verge of coming true.

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