‘He exaggerated’ – Antonio Rudiger breaks silence on Rico collision controversy

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has strongly rejected criticism surrounding his controversial challenge on Diego Rico during last week’s shock defeat to Getafe CF.

The incident, which occurred at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, sparked widespread debate after replays showed Rudiger’s knee making contact with Rico’s face while the Getafe defender was on the ground.

The images quickly drew backlash, with some observers in Germany even calling for the centre-back to be excluded from the country’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

However, Rudiger has dismissed suggestions of malicious intent, insisting the incident has been misinterpreted due to slow-motion footage.

“You see the slow-motion footage and it looks terrible, of course, I’m not going to argue, but I didn’t kill him, he doesn’t have to exaggerate.

“If I had gone there with that intention, he wouldn’t have gotten up from the ground. I’m not justifying it, but he was running afterward, wasn’t he? If you freeze a frame, it looks awful. Why wasn’t I sent off? It was never my intention.”

The Germany international of Sierra Leonean descent maintained that while he embraces a physical style of defending, there are limits he does not cross, suggesting the reaction to the incident has been overblown.

“I like to be tough, but I have my limits that I don’t cross. I think the guy exaggerated; he needed some focus. We shouldn’t dwell on this or say that someone wanted to kill you. We have to keep things under control.”

Beyond the controversy, Rudiger also addressed ongoing speculation about his future at Madrid, with his contract nearing its end. The 31-year-old remained relaxed about the situation, prioritising his fitness over negotiations.

“For me, the most important thing is that I feel healthy and right now I feel good. Yes, I’m sure everything else will sort itself out; it’s not the time to talk about it.”