Former Madrid player, Claude Makélélé (52 years old) says about Rüdiger: “The first person he has…”

Claude Makélélé, one of the most iconic defensive midfielders in Real Madrid’s history, has made a surprising revelation about Antonio Rüdiger’s transfer to Los Blancos. In an exclusive interview with FreeFoot TV, the former French international disclosed that he played a significant role in convincing the German defender to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.

Makélélé, a legendary figure in world football, had an illustrious career spanning clubs like FC Nantes, Olympique de Marseille, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and worked within Chelsea’s technical staff, where he built a strong bond with Antonio Rüdiger.

When Rüdiger received his first official offer from Real Madrid, he sought advice from someone he trusted—Makélélé. According to the former midfielder, the German center-back was uncertain about his next move, as he had multiple high-profile offers on the table.

“The first thing Rüdiger did when Real Madrid approached him was to ask me: ‘What do you think?’ I told him without hesitation: ‘Run, this is your chance’,” Makélélé revealed.

At that time, Rüdiger was also being courted by Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, two European powerhouses eager to secure his signature. Makélélé admitted that Rüdiger was at a crossroads in his career, unsure of which direction to take.

“He had offers from PSG and Bayern, but I asked him, ‘Do you just want to play at a top club, or do you want to cement yourself among the best?’ Real Madrid is the ultimate destination for a player who wants to reach the peak of their career. I told him, ‘If you want to experience what it truly means to be elite, go to Madrid. Play with the greatest, win the biggest trophies, and leave a lasting legacy.'”

Makélélé’s words resonated with Rüdiger, who ultimately decided to accept Real Madrid’s offer and leave Chelsea as a free agent in the summer of 2022. The German international quickly became a crucial figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive setup, winning the trust of his coach and the Madrid faithful.

Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu, Rüdiger has helped Real Madrid maintain a rock-solid defense, forming a formidable partnership at the back despite injuries to key players like Éder Militão and David Alaba. His aggressive playing style, leadership, and ability to step up in big games have made him one of the most reliable defenders in La Liga.

At 33 years old, Rüdiger remains an integral part of Ancelotti’s squad, continuing to perform at an elite level. He recently spoke about his happiness at Madrid, confirming that he has no regrets about his decision to join the Spanish giants.

“I feel at home here. The club, my teammates, and the fans have made me feel welcome from day one. This is where I want to be,” Rüdiger said in a recent interview.

As the veteran defender approaches the final year of his contract, discussions about an extension are already underway. Reports suggest that Florentino Pérez and the club’s board are keen on keeping him beyond 2026, given his consistent performances and leadership qualities.

With the departure of Sergio Ramos and the ongoing injury concerns with Alaba and Militão, Rüdiger has stepped up as the leader of Madrid’s defense. His experience and tenacity have proven invaluable, and Ancelotti is keen on having him remain a pillar of the squad for years to come.

Makélélé’s influence on Rüdiger’s career cannot be understated. The former Madrid star’s advice helped shape the German’s trajectory, guiding him toward a club where he could fully realize his potential. Now, Rüdiger is proving every week why he was the perfect fit for Real Madrid.

With several more years of top-level football left in him, Rüdiger is determined to win more silverware and further cement his legacy at the club. Whether it’s La Liga, the Champions League, or domestic cups, he remains a crucial piece in Ancelotti’s puzzle.

As for Makélélé, his role in influencing top players continues, proving that his impact on football extends far beyond his playing days. His ability to mentor and guide the next generation remains one of his greatest strengths.

Rüdiger’s journey at Real Madrid is far from over, and with his hunger for success still burning strong, the Bernabéu faithful can expect many more memorable performances from their defensive stalwart.