Watch chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger received an incredible welcome when he landed in Sierra Leone
Chelsea and Germany defender Antonio Rudiger received an incredible welcome when he landed in Sierra Leone.
Rudiger has said that ‘Sierra Leone is home’ as he made a donation to the country’s Free Quality Education initiative.
The Chelsea defender has backed a number of local organisations in the country Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has pledged his support behind the Sierra Leone football team for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The German, who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer, is involved in the BigShoe organisation in the country which has helped children with club feet get operations to remedy the problem.
She subsequently settled in Germany where she gave birth to Rudiger hence why he represents Germany at an international level.
His work with BigShoe has also seen him send a Chelsea shirt with his name and number on the back be sent to each and every child the project has helped so far and there is no intentions of it stopping anytime soon.
“I am very connected to my second home,” Rudiger said to Goal, “We have more projects planned.
“My first visit to Sierra Leone five years ago taught me above all that everything that we supposedly call a ‘problem’ here in Europe is not really a problem at all.
“Interest from Real Madrid Rudiger is one of the most coveted defenders in Europe right now as his contract with Chelsea expires in June 2022, and he is free to discuss terms with other clubs on the continent.
The Blues are not willing to meet the German’s wage demands and it looks like he will leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in the summer with Real Madrid maintaining a keen interest in the player.
Rudiger was born to Sierra Leonean parents in Germany and has gone onto play 30 times for them.
The 26-year-old made the donation of $101,000 to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio at the UK-Africa Investment summit in London. “Sierra Leone is my home.
I’m not the talking type of a person, I am about action,” he told the president as he handed over the donation. “You can count on us and do not hesitate.
We are here to support your vision and agenda, especially on education. “I am ready to take on my responsibility to change the narrative and image of Sierra Leone.”
The initiative, which was set up by President Maada Bio, aims to support over two million children in primary and secondary schools.
“The narrative about Sierra Leone must change and it is the duty of every Sierra Leonean out in the diaspora to come on board with the rebranding process,” the President insisted.
He thanked Rudiger for the donation and assured him that the funds would be transparently utilised for the intended purpose, he also welcomed him and his team to audit the proper use of the funds at any time.
