Antonio Rudiger has played down suggestions that his exit from Chelsea is partly down to sanctions which have recently been imposed on the club.
Since March, the Premier League giants have been unable to hold negotiations with their out-of-contract players at a time when the likes of Rudiger have been able to speak to foreign clubs.
Thomas Tuchel has already confirmed that Rudiger will be departing Stamford Bridge this summer with the Germany international said to have agreed a deal with Real Madrid.
However, the 29-year-old has indicated that he is leaving Chelsea for the fresh challenge, rather than having any concerns about the direction of the West London outfit.
Speaking to football.london, Rudiger said: "I don't want to go into deep things. There was a chance but sanctions was not the problem.
"It's not only about one side, it's about both sides. Chelsea have been great to me and I have been great for Chelsea. I am very, very thankful. Me, my family, I became a man here. My kids were born here and everything. London and especially Chelsea will always be special to me.
"It's been five years with ups and downs as normal. There were a lot of positive things, but that's why I'm even more frustrated because I wanted to have a different ending."
Rudiger's comments came after Chelsea had suffered defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup final, the Blues losing out 6-5 in a penalty shootout.
Darren Plant
