Germany manager Joachim Low admits Toni Rudiger tried everything to leave Chelsea.
The 27-year-old defender has fallen out of favour under manager Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge and was linked with a move away before Monday’s transfer deadline, with Tottenham, Roma and AC Milan all showing an interest.
“I was in constant contact with Toni Rudiger, he was keeping me in the loop,” Low said. “He had three or four options over the weekend but unfortunately, nothing materialised – he can try again in the winter.
“He can put in a great performance even without a few weeks of match practice. I’ve been walking the path with him over the past few years and we’ve had a dialogue since the very beginning. His development over the past four or five years has been great.
“He has established himself as a top international player. In terms of athleticism, dynamism and tough duels, he maintains his top level for a few weeks even without match practice.
“He tried everything to leave Chelsea because the European Championship is very important to him. I think he’ll try to leave again in the winter. He’s doing everything he can to stay in his best form.”
