Gabby Agbonlahor claims ’s Antonio Rudiger shirked a tackle with Karim Benzema on Tuesday night as he did not want to wreck a summer move away from Stamford Bridge.
Blues defender Rudiger could have stopped Benzema winning the ball just before the Frenchman scored into an empty net to make it 3-1 to in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Former Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor believes Rudiger, who is usually known for his robust defending, was conscious of not getting injured amid rumours the German is planning to leave Chelsea at the end of the season.
Speaking on , he said: ‘I know it was a bad pass on Mendy, but Rudiger’s tackle was someone who didn’t want to get injured.
‘It was like he’s got a move ready and he didn’t want to hurt himself.’
Rudiger’s contract runs out in a few months’ time and the 29-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Real and PSG this summer.
Chelsea have been hindered in extending Rudiger’s stay as government sanctions on their owner Roman Abramovich means the club is currently prevented from offering him a new contract.
Earlier this week, former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot agreed with Agbonlahor that Rudiger could have been stronger in the challenge with Benzema as the Blues now face an upward struggle to overturn their 3-1 deficit at the Bernabeu later this month.
‘I agree with you, he could have gone tougher,’ Melchiot said. ‘And he went with his left foot instead of his right and normally if you make the tackle with your right, and you go all the way (you would win the ball).
‘Everything was half, half ball, half challenge, and that’s why Benzema (scored).’
Since joining from AS Roma in 2017, Rudiger has been a revelation at Chelsea and has been a permanent starter under manager Thomas Tuchel.
During his time in west London, Rudiger has lifted the Europa League, Champions League and an FA Cup.
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