Trevoh Chalobah urges Chelsea star to snub summer transfer and sign new deal

Trevoh Chalobah wants Antonio Rudiger to snub a move away from Chelsea this summer and sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

Rudiger could leave Chelsea as a free agent at the end of the season, with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid interested in securing his signature amid his contract stand-off with the Blues.

The Germany international has made 185 appearances for Chelsea since signing from Roma in 2017 and was one of the stars of the club’s Champions League win last season.

As well as contributing to Chelsea’s success on the pitch, Rudiger has been a mentor to Chalobah and other young players at Stamford Bridge.

Chalobah told The Athletic: ‘When I was training with [former Chelsea boss] Antonio Conte that season I was in and out.

‘Toni’s from Sierra Leone as well, where I’m from, and when he first came my brother [Fulham midfielder Nathaniel] told him to look after me.

‘I used to go round his house, we’d chill, and every time I came over for training he’d get hold of me and help me.

‘He was the only one that season who believed in me and told me to keep going. The next year I went on loan and ended up going on loan three times, and after every season he kept telling me, “Keep going, keep going. I know you’re good enough to play for this football club”.

‘He kept me going and was a massive part of it.’

Asked what advice Rudiger has given him, Chalobah – who has made 21 appearances for Chelsea this season – added: ‘Just believe in yourself, really.

‘I knew I was good enough, I just needed a platform, and he said, “Your time will come, make sure you’re ready”. It came this season and I took it well.

‘He’s very straightforward. He’ll tell me how it is and what I need to do. He’ll speak to me like a grown adult, not a little