ANTONIO RUDIGER has described his transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid as the biggest step in his career.
The defender, 29, will officially join Real Madrid on July 1 after his Blues contract expires.
And he is itching to open up the next chapter in a successful career with Rudiger set to experience LaLiga for the first time.
The German also described his excitement at being contacted by Real about the move for the first time, which he reveals happened last autumn.
He told Marca:"I think that both in football and in life there are all chapters and this is a new one for me.
"Obviously, this new chapter is very big, it's a big step for me. It's probably the biggest in my entire career.
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"The first time I hear about Madrid… imagine. It was like, wow!
"The first time they contacted me was in September or October, I seem to remember. A club like this doesn't call very often and it was amazing."
Signing for Real also gives Rudiger a chance to reunite with former Chelsea star Eden Hazard – which the defender is looking forward to.
He spoke highly of the Belgian and backs him to show the form that led Hazard to be a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
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Rudiger added: "I am very happy to coincide with Eden again, now in Madrid.
"I know these have been very hard years for him, with many injuries and problems, but I still hope that the Madrid fans can see the Hazard that I played with, because he was without a doubt one of the best footballers in the world.
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