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Antonio Rudiger has denied that financial sanctions on Chelsea have had a part to play in him eventually deciding to leave at the end of the season.

The defender’s future emerged as a key concern at Stamford Bridge heading into the campaign. He had only one year left on his deal and there was no sign of an extension on the way.

Rudiger insisted that he felt focused solely on his football, instead of letting his future dominate the talk around him.

However, since Roman Abramovich faced sanctions, Chelsea have been unable to offer new contracts – among other punishments.

And Rudiger has subsequently confirmed his plan, the German moving to Real Madrid this summer as a free agent.

Speaking after Saturday’s defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup final, though, Rudiger insisted that the sanctions have not played a part in him eventually deciding to move on.

“There was a chance but sanctions are not the problem,” the 29-year-old told the Daily Mail. “I don’t want to go too deep in things.

“At the end of the day it’s not only about one side [helping the other], it’s both sides – Chelsea have been great to me, I have been great to Chelsea.

“As always, I am very, very thankful me, my family. I became a