Antonio Rudiger: ‘I put my own health aside and wanted to be 100% for Real Madrid’ | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger has put an end to months of uncertainty surrounding his fitness by sharing an update that will come as a major boost for Real Madrid.

The German defender, who has struggled with recurring injury problems over the past months, has now confirmed that he is fully fit again and ready to perform at the highest level. 

Speaking in an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (h/t AS), Rudiger addressed his current condition and the relief of overcoming a difficult period. 

“I can finally play full matches without any problems,” he began.

Opening up on the matter

Explaining further on what he has gone through, Rudiger opened up about how challenging the last year has been physically. 

He revealed that playing through pain had become a necessity at one stage.

“I feel really good and I’m relieved that my medical treatments are over. Since August-September 2024, there’s always been something wrong. 

“I can finally play full matches without any problems. Especially last season, I could only play and train if I took painkillers. 

“Things got worse this year in January, and I knew I had to take a break because the World Cup is coming up in the summer. But now I’m back at 100%.”

Club over health

Rudiger has opened up about his injuries. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Looking at his past, it becomes clearer when considering the sacrifices he made for the team. 

After undergoing knee surgery at the end of last season, Rudiger admitted that he prioritised the club over his own health.

“I put my own health aside and wanted to be 100% for Real Madrid because there’s nothing I hate more than letting my teammates down. 

“Would I do it again? Probably. However, after my surgery in 2025, I also gained a better understanding of when things are getting out of hand.”

The Getafe incident

Beyond fitness, Rudiger also addressed criticism surrounding his aggressive style of play, particularly after he clashed with Getafe defender Diego Rico. 

The German defender has been under scrutiny ever since the event, but he says that intensity is central to his identity as a player.

“Being a tough defender is part of my DNA. If you want to be a specialist in one-on-one situations at this level, you can’t be a nice teammate. 

“You have to make the striker feel: ‘Today is going to be a rough day for you.’ If I didn’t play with that intensity and commitment, I’d be half as good. 

“That pushing the limits is exactly what brought me to Real Madrid. 

“Without it, I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t have won the Champions League twice, and I wouldn’t have played so many games for my country,” he concluded.