Antonio Rudiger apologises for Kevin De Bruyne's injuries

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has apologised to Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne following the injuries the latter suffered in the Champions League final, ending his participation in the game, when the pair collided early in the second half.

De Bruyne was treated on the pitch for several minutes before he left the game to be replaced by Gabriel Jesus. The City captain was visibly upset that his final was over prematurely and was later revealed to have suffered a fractured nose and eye socket.

The morning after the game in Porto, De Bruyne confirmed the diagnosis on Twitter, adding: “I feel okay now. Still disappointed about yesterday obviously but we will be back.”

Rudiger has since taken to social media to offer a public apology, explaining that it was an accident and that he had already personally been in touch with the City star.

“I'm really sorry for Kevin De Bruyne’s injury,” he said.

“Of course this was not intentional from me. I've already been in touch with Kevin personally and I really wish him a speedy recovery and hope we can see him back on the pitch very soon again.”

Chelsea went on to lift the Champions League trophy, holding on to the lead Kai Havertz gave them shortly before half-time. It was a second title for the west London club after their famous underdog victory in 2012, while the wait for City for the elusive European glory goes on.

For De Bruyne, the attention will now shift to whether he will have suitably recovered in time for Euro 2020 with Belgium. The 29-year-old is one of the senior names in a squad that is aiming to win an international trophy before the ageing golden generation fades completely.

Belgium play their first game of the tournament against Russia on 12 June in Saint Petersburg.

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