Rüdiger defends himself after getafe clash, eyes manchester city showdown

Antonio Rüdiger addressed the controversy surrounding his challenge on Diego Rico, asserting his intent was never malicious, while also shifting focus to Real Madrid's upcoming ChampionsLeague clash against Manchester City.

The Real Madrid defender has been under scrutiny following a strong tackle during the recent match against Getafe, where he made contact with Rico's face. Accusations of intent to injure were leveled against the German international, prompting a public response from Rüdiger.

“It looks worse on slow motion”

Rüdiger acknowledged that replays of the incident might appear harsh, but emphasized the context of the game. “If you watch the images in slow motion, it looks bad,” he stated at a Real Madrid press conference. “But it’s a different thing when you see the action during the game. I like to play hard, but I have limits that I don’t cross.”

He confirmed he had spoken with Rico after the match, though the conversation didn’t fully resolve the situation. Rüdiger believes television footage often distorts events, creating a more severe impression than reality.

Looking ahead, Rüdiger's attention is firmly on Manchester City. Having secured a 3-0 advantage in the first leg, the focus is now on sealing the quarterfinal berth. “I’ve experienced many games like this,” Rüdiger remarked. “I won the Champions League with Real Madrid specifically for moments like these. We’ve played City often in recent years – they are one of the best teams in Europe. If you want to win the Champions League, you have to play against City.”

Despite his contract expiring in the summer, Rüdiger remains unconcerned about his future at Real Madrid. His priority is physical fitness and well-being.