Antonio Rudiger has suggested sanctions imposed upon are not the reason he failed to agree a new deal with the club.
The Germany international will join on a free transfer this summer, bringing an end to his five-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were desperate to keep hold of the 29-year-old but were hampered by the sanctions imposed owner Roman Abramovich which prevented the Blues from agreeing contracts with players and engaging in transfer activity.
Speaking after Chelsea’s final defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, Rudiger admitted there was, at at one time, a chance of staying in west , but insisted sanctions were not the issue.
‘I don’t want to go into deep things,’ Rudiger said. ‘There was a chance but sanctions was not the problem.’
Chelsea have two games left in their Premier League campaign during which they they still look to confirm an automatic place in next season’s Champions League.
But the Blues will end the campaign without a domestic trophy, a source of frustration for Rudiger as he prepares for his exit.
‘It’s not only about one side, it’s about both sides,’ Rudiger added.
‘Chelsea have been great to me and I have been great for Chelsea. I am very, very thankful. Me, my family, I became a man here.
‘My kids were born here and everything. London and especially Chelsea will always be special to me.’
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