Antonio Rudiger has claimed he was shocked when he heard of Thomas Tuchel's sacking at Chelsea, with the defender revealing he messaged his former boss to thank him for the club's Champions League triumph.
Rudiger joined Spanish giants Real Madrid on a four-year deal in the summer, joining the Champions League holders after his Blues contract expired.
The German international has kept an eye on the situation at Stamford Bridge, telling the Guardian of his surprise at the decision to dismiss Tuchel in September, just seven matches into the season.