Antonio Rudiger’s hospital ball
Antonio Rudiger made a surprise farewell visit to Chelsea and Westminter Hospital this week.
The German will join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The Germany defender has been a staunch supporter of the NHS and his local hospital during his time at Chelsea, and made another visit this week before he departs west London this summer.
Rudiger spent an afternoon at the hospital, delivering presents, signing autographs and meeting patients on the site’s wards.
“I’ve fully enjoyed visiting Chelsea and Westminster Hospital now and over the years,” said Rudiger.
“It’s always been important to me to come out into the community and show my support, and once again it’s been a real pleasure to meet both patients and staff who are such an inspiration.
“The hospital and staff are incredible and work tirelessly to deliver the best possible care – thank you for everything you do – I will miss you all!”
The visit was organised by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Foundation and its official charity CW+.
Rudiger visited paediatric wards and also met staff from the Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU), in just his latest visit to the hospital that he has attended regularly during his time with the Blues.
“We would like to say a big thank you to Toni for his time today and for his support and generosity over the years,” said Chelsea and Westminster Hospital director Dominic Conlin.
“There has been a real buzz around the hospital and it means so much to the staff to know that Toni has supported them.
“The visit has especially brightened up the day of our younger patients and their families.
“It’s such a boost for them to meet one of their heroes and be inspired, and it makes a real difference to their care and experience.”
N’Golo Kante reflects on his time at Leicester
Leicester, of course, were the club where N’Golo Kante made his name and the midfielder has looked back on his time at the King Power Stadium.
“Of course when we play against Leicester it is always special,’ he said. ‘Leicester were my first club in England, gave me my first title in England. We achieved some great things and it’s very special to play against them as a club. But many of the players have changed and of course now I’m a Chelsea player.”
Why will Andreas Christensen likely never play for Chelsea again?
Thomas Tuchel has opened up on Andreas Christensen’s late decision to pull out of the FA Cup final.
The Denmark defender informed Chelsea’s manager that he was not available for Saturday’s clash with Liverpool at Wembleyon the morning of the game, despite not suffering from any injuries.
Tuchel revealed it is not the first time Christensen had declared himself not ready to play – and could not confirm if the player had made his final appearance for club, with just two games remaining of the season.
Christensen will join Barcelona as a free agent in the summer – and is a doubt for Thursday’s game against Leicester and Sunday’s season finale against Watford.
Tuchel said: “I’m not sure yet if he is involved tomorrow and on the weekend.
“Andreas came in the morning of the match to inform me, speak to me. He told me he was not ready to play the match, to start the match and be on the bench. He had his reasons. They will stay private and confidential.
“It was not the first time as you can see over the last weeks that we had some of the same situations. That’s why he did not play regularly over the last weeks.
