Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has revealed that he celebrated his team’s Champions League win last season by locking himself in the toilets along with his Muslim teammates.
Rudiger is a practising Muslim and therefore chooses to abstain from alcohol, as a result, he went to the toilets with his Muslim teammates to avoid the champagne showers that were taking place in the changing room.
Thomas Tuchel’s side won the Champions league courtesy of a 1-0 win over Manchester City, a Kai Havertz strike before half time was enough to see off Pep Guardiola’s side.
Havertz took a beautiful Mason Mount through ball into his stride before rounding City keeper Ederson to calmly slot home the winner. That goal brought in Chelsea’s second Champions League trophy, leaving City searching for their first.
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Rudiger will be leaving Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of the season, in an open letter to the Chelsea fans on The Players Tribune, the German reflected on his time at the Stamford Bridge club.
He said: “The trophies that I have won here – they are nice, for sure.”
“But what really made Chelsea a special place were the friendships. We were more than teammates. So many of these guys — N'Golo Kante, Kova(Kovacic), Ziyech, Lukaku — they are like my brothers.”
The defender then spoke about the celebrations after that special night in Porto.
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Rudiger said: “And if there is one moment that sums everything up for me, it would be the scene in the toilets after we won the Champions League Final.”
“When we got back to the dressing room, the boys were having the champagne celebration, and so a few of us who are practicing Muslims went into the bathroom to have our peace.”
“Me, N'Golo Kante, Ziyech and Zouma locked ourselves in the toilets, and we were looking at our medals, and then looking at one another, shaking our heads.”
He added: “And I will never forget this. N'Golo Kante had the biggest smile on his face. 'Wow,' he said. 'We really did it.' And he started laughing, like only he laughs.”
“When N'Golo Kante laughs, you cannot help but feel pure joy. All four of us started laughing like little kids. That moment in the bathroom, for me, is forever.”
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Rudiger is expected to sign for Real Madrid on a four year contract.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea, Champions League