Germany manager Joachim Low has revealed that Antonio Rudiger 'tried everything' to force a Chelsea exit during the transfer window in order to keep himself in contention for Germany's European Championship squad.
Rudiger has found himself fall down the Stamford Bridge pecking order following the arrival of Thiago Silva, and he has only been named in Chelsea's match day squad once this season.
The defender was linked with a switch to Tottenham and Milan as the transfer deadline ticked down, but a move away from west London failed to materialise.
“I was in constant contact with Rudiger, he was keeping me in the loop," said Low [via the Sun]. “He had three or four options over the weekend but unfortunately nothing materialised - he can try again in the winter.
“He tried everything to leave Chelsea because the European Championship is very important to him. I think he’ll try to leave again in the winter. He’s doing everything he can to stay in his best form.”
Despite not featuring for Chelsea this season, Rudiger was named in the Germany squad for their most recent round of international fixtures.
He started his country's 3-3 draw with Turkey on Wednesday evening, as Kenan Karaman grabbed a 94th minute equaliser for Turkey to ensure a thrilling contest ended all square
Low added that although he is not playing regularly, Rudiger still looked sharp.
“He can put in a great performance even without a few weeks of match practice," Low said. “He has established himself as a top international player. In terms of athleticism, dynamism and tough duels, he maintains his top level for a few weeks even without match practice.
“I’ve been walking the path with him over the past few years and we’ve had a dialogue since the beginning. His development over the past four or five years has been great."
Source : 90min