Defender Antonio Rüdiger signs 1-year contract extension at Real Madrid
Article excerpt
Antonio Rüdiger has signed a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid, keeping the 33-year-old German defender at the club through at least 2025. Rüdiger, who joined Madrid from Chelsea in 2022, won both the Spanish league and Champions League last season. The extension comes as his original four-year deal neared completion, and despite reported offers from Saudi Arabia, the veteran defender opted to remain in Europe.
MADRID (AP), Antonio Rüdiger is staying at Real Madrid for another season after the German defender signed a one-year contract extension while at the World Cup.
Rüdiger was at the end of the four-year contract he signed when he joined Madrid from Chelsea in 2022 and reportedly had rival offers from Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old German won the Spanish league and Champions League at Madrid in 2024. Back-to-back seasons without a trophy mean Madrid is under pressure to improve next season as Jose Mourinho returns as coach.
Rüdiger played 26 games in all competitions for Madrid last season as injuries limited his availability.
The announcement of Rüdiger's new deal comes a day after Madrid signed left back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea.
Rüdiger is with the Germany squad at the World Cup and came off the bench in the opening 7-1 win over Curaçao as Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck started in the center of the German defense.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer