Real Madrid News
Just in: Real Madrid defender decides to retire from international football to focus on club
In a major development, MARCA reports that Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has decided to end his international career with Germany.
The veteran centre-back strongly believes the time has come to close an important chapter of his career and focus entirely on his club.
Rudiger to step down from Germany duties
According to the report, the idea of stepping away from international football began to cross Rudiger’s mind after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the time, however, the seasoned campaigner decided not to rush into a decision and opted to take time and assess his situation before making a final call.
After more than a decade representing Germany and becoming one of the dressing room leaders, he now feels that his international cycle has come to an end.
If true, Rudiger will leave the German national team after more than ten years, having made his debut for Die Mannschaft back in March 2014.
During his time with the team, the 33-year-old centre-half racked up 88 appearances, even scoring three goals, winning the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in the process.
The report further states that Rudiger’s decision is also motivated by a desire to make room for a new generation.
The defender firmly believes Germany need to look to the future and build a new team around younger players.
As such, he feels his departure can help facilitate that transition and allow new manager Jurgen Klopp to develop a brand-new project with fresh leaders.
All-in on Real Madrid
With his international career seemingly coming to an end, Rudiger will now focus all his efforts on Real Madrid.
At 33, the defender wants to take maximum care of his fitness and physical condition and extend his career at the highest level while reducing the demanding workload that comes with combining club and international football.
This comes after he endured a difficult last season bogged down by multiple fitness problems.
Rudiger is also extremely happy with Jose Mourinho and the role the Portuguese coach has given him since taking charge.
Even though he has started only one game this season, the veteran star feels important at Real Madrid, enjoys working with the new manager and is fully aligned with his footballing philosophy.
As such, he has decided to go all-in and fully direct his focus on club football.
In what will come as a pleasing development for fans, Fabrizio Romano reports that Real Madrid forward Rodrygo could make a comeback from his injury earlier than expected.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international has been out of action since March after suffering an ACL injury during a La Liga game against Getafe.
Due to the complete rupture of the ACL, coupled with associated meniscus damage, it was suggested that the attacker was staring at a lengthy time out on the sidelines and might not return until 2027.
In fact, the forward’s father, Eric Goes, recently stated in an interview that the Real Madrid ace could be back in February next year, just before the business end of the campaign.
Rodrygo could be back in December
However, as per the update from Romano, Rodrygo’s comeback could happen well before that expected date.
Indeed, if things continue to progress at the current rate, the 25-year-old attacker might return to action in December or by January 2027 at the latest.
This will come as a welcome boost for Jose Mourinho & co., considering that Rodrygo is a valuable player for the team.
Even though he had endured a tough spell prior to his form, the Brazilian’s versatility, work rate off the ball, and eye for a goal make him an asset.
Rodrygo eager to be back at his best
The update from Romano further states that Rodrygo feels very grateful to Real Madrid for all the help and support they have given him during this difficult phase of his career.
As such, the Brazilian international has made it a mission to return to action in the best shape possible and make an impact from the get-go.
The attacker has only recently begun working on the pitch with the ball indicating the significant progress he has made on the road to recovery.
And, if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could recover one of their ace attackers before the end of the current year.
So far in his career, Rodrygo has made 297 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 71 goals. He has a contract with the club until 2028.
