Paul Merson Labels Lampard As The Reason For Rudiger's Exit

Paul Merson believes Antonio Rudiger is leaving Chelsea because he was cast aside by Frank Lampard, who left the club more than a year and a half ago.

"Losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid is going to break Chelsea's heart - but his mind was made up 18 months ago with the way he was treated by Frank Lampard.

"Rudiger got completely binned out the team by Lampard and I think that left a lasting effect on Rudiger. That's when he decided that he was not signing a new contract.

"Chelsea is letting a £70m-80m defender go on a free transfer, and they're going to bring someone in for £70m in that will be nowhere as good as Rudiger.

"They're going to have to strengthen in defence, as Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are going to leave. I like Trevoh Chalobah, but they play three at the back, so they'll need to bring in another defender."

Source: Tribuna