"Run, that's your chance": Makelele's words that shaped Rudiger's Madrid decision

Former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has revealed the influential role he played in Antonio Rudiger's transfer to Real Madrid in 2022.

"The first thing Rudiger did when he got the chance to sign for Real Madrid was come and ask me: 'What do you think?'" The French football legend's response was unequivocal: "Run, that's your chance," Makelele said about his conversation with the German to FreeFoot.

Makelele's advice came despite the fact that Rudiger as a free agent had attractive offers from other European powers, such as Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

The former midfielder emphasised the unique opportunity Real Madrid presented, "You already have everything, but do you really want to become a player of that caliber? Then go there".

Makelele's words underlined the prestige and challenge of playing for Los Merengues, advising Rudiger to "rub your shoulders with the greatest players, and you will understand what it means". The German has established himself as a vital member of Ancelotti's defence in his third season at Real Madrid.