Real Madrid stalwart excited to play under Jose Mourinho – “I’m even happier to welcome him” | OneFootball

Real Madrid are excited to start a new era this summer, with club icon Jose Mourinho back at the helm as manager. There is a strong feeling that the Portuguese can be the man to overhaul Barcelona after two seasons trailing their great rivals, and in the process, he can unite a dressing room that was divided during the previous tenures of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Already, several Real Madrid players have spoken of their delight at the news of Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu, with the latest being Antonio Rudiger. As per Marca, the German defender was asked about the prospect of playing under the Portuguese, which is something that excites him greatly.

“I can’t say too much, but I can say that I’m very excited. At last he is going to play under his orders. In the past there were many conversations with him, but for some reason it never happened. That’s why now I’m even happier to welcome him with us.”

Rudiger: Real Madrid is my home

Rudiger, who signed a new one-year contract earlier this month to take him through to the end of next season, was asked about penning a renewal, which was something that he has no hesitation in doing once it became clear that the club wanted him to continue.

“I had a difficult last year, especially physically. I had to fight a lot with injuries and I managed to come back. Real Madrid is practically my home. I feel great, my family feels great there, and that’s why I never really thought about anything else. I just wanted to get back in shape and earn my new contract. And I succeeded.”

Rudiger is sure to be an important player for Real Madrid next season, although how important will depend on whether he can keep fit.