Merson says Chelsea star had no intention to stay

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has said Germany international Antonio Rudiger doesn’t love Chelsea as he had no intention to stay.

Merson said Rudiger’s decision to dump the club could affect his relationship with the fans.

The Blues defender would depart the west London club for Real Madrid in the summer, having failed to agree on a new deal with Chelsea.

“Antonio Rudiger is the one player Chelsea couldn’t afford to lose, but he clearly didn’t love the club enough to stay,” Merson told the Daily Star.

“He is risking the wrath of the fans now because he is turning down a lot of money and leaving them in the lurch, but let’s be honest: it’s been on the cards for a long, long time.

“I don’t think Rudiger ever had any intention of signing; not after he was frozen out by Frank Lampard.”

In another news, Chelsea will return to action in the Premier League this weekend when they take on Everton, led by former coach Frank Lampard after hey managed a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Thursday.