Thomas Tuchel: 'Nobody happy to see Antonio Rudiger leave Chelsea'

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that none of his Chelsea squad have welcomed Antonio Rudiger's decision to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Last weekend, Tuchel revealed that the 29-year-old had informed him that he would be departing on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.

At a time when Real Madrid are said to be on the brink of signing the Germany international, Tuchel has acknowledged that 'nobody is happy' with the outcome.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "I don't think anybody likes it because Toni is a huge factor in our last one-and-a-half seasons. He gives everyone confidence in the dressing room, he is a unique character, aggressive leader, he is available 90% of the matches, and he plays on an outstanding level.

"He gives you confidence if you play next to him, if you play around him, he sometimes takes the focus towards him, he loves taking responsibility, so I don't think anybody likes this decision.

"We have to accept and will accept it. There will be life at Chelsea after Toni, and the most important now is that it ends like it started for the one-and-a-half years, which is on the highest level possible, and there is where the focus needs to be right now."

Rudiger is expected to return to the Chelsea squad for Thursday's Premier League fixture at Manchester United after returning to training earlier this week.