Antonio Rudiger speaks out on Chelsea contract stand-off as free transfer looms

Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has opened up on his contract situation amid mounting speculation over his future.

Rudiger, 28, has been a key man for Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, having appeared on his way out under former boss Frank Lampard.

The German's existing deal runs out next June and he's been linked with several top clubs across Europe, as well as Premier League pair Manchester City and Tottenham.

He can begin to negotiate with overseas clubs, officially, from January 1.

But Rudiger has confirmed he's currently discussing an extension with Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia and insists his situation is nobody's business.

Speaking to The Guardian, the defender said: "The most important thing is that I feel happy here. I think if people look at it, they can see I'm happy.

"About the contract situation, I talk with the club. This is for nobody's ears. It was how I said it would be after the Euros - there would be talks.

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Antonio Rudiger is out of contract at the end of the season ( Image:

Visionhaus/Getty Images)

"There was a talk between Marina and my agent. We have the situation where we are at now and I have nothing to do with all the speculation.

"This is not in my mind. I'm focused on what I'm doing because this is why I wake up every morning."

Tuchel wants Rudiger to remain part of his team after helping Chelsea win the Champions League final against Man City.

The manager said in May: "If he wants to have a new contract he has our full support to stay at the club. He is speaking with his performances - he has been amazing since day one.

"We chose him in the first match after just one day of training... I had a clear picture of what he can deliver to a team and he took the chance.

"Since then it's well deserved he is in the team. He is an aggressive leader... He hates to lose, is hard to beat in duels, is very brave, and full of energy in his defending.

"He is leading by example... This is what we like. When he can channel all this into top performances, as he does now, we are all very happy to have him."

The German hasn't wavered on that stance since.

Many critics have praised Rudiger for his superb performances under Tuchel, including Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.

He said in August: "Look at Rudiger. He's arguably, since Tuchel has been there, been the best defender in the Premier League.

"Him or [Man City's Ruben] Dias in that time. He's been unbelievable, he's like an animal."

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Speaking about the manager's impact, Rudiger added: "Tuchel gave me new life. I wouldn't say he said, 'You have to be the biggest speaker in the dressing room.'

"I'm not like this. I like to show everything on the pitch. He told me what he expects - my natural game: to be aggressive, to be a leader."

Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Thiago Silva are all also out of contract in June too.