Crazy Scenes As Antonio Rudiger Receives Heroic Welcome In Sierra Leone Ahead Of His Charity Organisation Launch.
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was surrounded by a huge crowd as he arrived in Sierra Leone to launch his foundation.
Rudiger took advantage of the Premier League winter break, as Chelsea players were also given a well deserved week off after an intense season so far of playing twice a week.
“Off to Sierra Leone for some days to recharge batteries for the crucial part of the season ✈️🇸🇱 Looking forward to finally launch The Antonio Rüdiger Foundation for Sierra Leone there”... He said on a post via his social media page.
The German international, flew to the African nation (Sierra Leone) on Monday, to launch his non-governmental organisation 'The Antonio Rudiger Foundation" and his arrival at the airport was met by overexcited fans, as he received a heroic welcome.
Rudiger whose parent hails from Sierra Leone has been supporting the country this past weeks before the Leone Stars crashed out of the group stage, bringing their campaign in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to an end in Cameroon.
His mother was forced to flee the country in 1991 when the civil war began, and subsequently settled in Germany where she gave birth to Rudiger hence why he has played 30 times for Germany at an international level.
He says he is ready to take on his responsibility to change the narrative and image of Sierra Leone.
The 28-year-old, took to social media to share footage of the lively welcome he received from the frenzy of the estatic fans in the country's capital Freetown.
“I am speechless – these people are crazy. Thank you for this overwhelming welcome Sierra Leone. God bless you all.” Rudiger wrote to his one million followers on Twitter, featuring a laughter emoji.
I'm speechless - these people are crazy 🤣 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming welcome, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 God bless you all 🤲🏾💚🤍💙 🤲🏾 #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve pic.twitter.com/SykiLL5GlI
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) January 25, 2022
Rudiger has backed a number of local organisations in the country, which has seen him send a Chelsea shirt with his name and number on the back to each and every child the BigShoe project has helped so far and there is no intentions of it stopping anytime soon.
"I am very connected to my second home," Rudiger said to Goal at the time me, "We have more projects planned.
"My first visit to Sierra Leone five years ago taught me above all that everything that we supposedly call a 'problem' here in Europe is not really a problem at all."
Rudiger has been a centre of headlines in recent weeks due to his contract with Chelsea which is set to expire this June 2022, and he is reportedly in talks with Chelsea chiefs over a new deal.
Reports claim he turned down a rumoured Blues offer of £140,000-a-week, as he is keen on an offer around £200,000-a-week.
The defender joined the West London side in 2017, for a £29 million fee from Roma, winning four major trophies with the Blues.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are among the European sides who are closely monitoring the situation at Stamford Bridge, as they have shown interest in Rudiger.
The Champions League winner despite being committed to remain with Thomas Tuchel’s side, is currently eligible to discuss terms with other clubs on the continent, and could leave on a free transfer if the Blues fails to meet his salary demands.
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