Werner spills details of convincing Rudiger chats; admits to ‘several offers’

Timo Werner TEAMtalk

Timo Werner says Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was invaluable in convincing him to seal a move to Stamford Bridge last month.

The Blues signed former RB Leipzig striker Werner in a deal reported to be worth at least £200,000 per week.

The 24-year-old left Leipzig in style last weekend, becoming the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

Germany international Rudiger has previously hinted at his role in negotiations with his compatriot Werner.

Now, Werner has spilled the details of their discussions, revealing his long-term friend was key in his decision.

“Yes, of course, I spoke to him. I’ve known him for a long time, seven years now,” Werner told Leipzig’s YouTube channel of Rudiger.

“He is a leading player there and knows all there and knows all there is to know. I think he played there for two or three years already.

“So there wasn’t really a better person I could talk to than him. I asked him what it’s like, what the environment is like, what the coach is like.

 

“He was positive about it all. It would have been strange for him to say different, though!

“He was full of praise. He said that the city was incredible and that you can only be happy there. So it was useful to be able to talk to him, and he really helped me in making my decision.”

WERNER ADMITS TO ‘SEVERAL OFFERS’

Prior to his move to Chelsea, reports claimed Liverpool held serious interest in Werner.

Indeed, BILD journalist Christian Falk said the striker spoke at length to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

However, Liverpool eventually pulled out of the race, with Klopp revealing his side’s financial concerns.

In a separate interview with SportBuzzer, Werner was quizzed on such interest.

He said: “It’s no secret that there were several offers.”

Pressed on interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, he added: “It could have been. There were some top clubs that fought for me.

“The entire Chelsea London package was the best for me, my game and my career.”

Werner is one of two signings – alongside Hakim Ziyech – Chelsea have completed so far in recent months.