FORMER Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is set to sell a signed match-worn Real Madrid shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos.
The German, 31, is already the honorary sponsor of Berlin Zoo's pygmy hippo, Toni.
But now the centre-back has partnered with the zoo for an auction which will take place on the online platform Catawiki.
Among the items on sale are hippo Toni's first mini football and a life-sized sculpture of the zoo's Indian rhinoceros, Betty.
But perhaps the most eye-catching collectable on offer has been donated by Real Madrid star Rudiger.
The two-time Champions League winner has signed the shirt he wore during Los Blancos' 4-0 win over Osasuna earlier this month.
All proceeds will go to the Pygmy Hippo Research Project in Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest National Park - which attempts to protect pygmy hippos in their natural habitat.
As reported by Newsflash, Rudiger said: "The habitat of pygmy hippos in West Africa is under severe threat, and it would be truly heartbreaking if these unique animals were to disappear forever.
"Little Toni and I are proud to be ambassadors, working together to protect this endangered species and its habitat.
"The auction supporting the conservation project in Sierra Leone is a great opportunity to actively contribute and help ensure the survival of pygmy hippos and many other species.
"That's why I hope as many people as possible will join this initiative."
It is the latest in a long line of Rudiger's charitable endeavours.
The ex-Chelsea man, whose parents were born in Sierra Leone, flew back to the West African country in 2022 to unveil The Antonio Rudiger Foundation.
Also in 2022, the German donated the money he earned from playing in the World Cup to pay for 11 childrens' life-changing surgeries.
Rudiger spent five years at Chelsea where he played 203 games, winning the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022 and has already won a LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, Club World Cup and two Uefa Super Cups.
Faocdmoty
0
Former Chelsea defender instead of current Real Madrid defender π€¦πΎββοΈ
Don't you recognize them everywhere we most be hated
Faocdmoty
0
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
Did he told you he didn't send money to them
fupceiluyz
3
Pygmy=midget=Messi.Rudiger is a legend for raising money to save a former Real Madrid rival.π«£π«£π«£π«£π«£
mezcelou
0
U foolish go hustle ur own money and share, ewu
πππ
CitizenOfFootball_FC
0
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
Humans aren't loyal as Animals are + Humans aren't endangered..while those hippos are
kayclmstuy
0
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
you have hands, legs and brain to work
kayclmstuy
1
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
stop begging always
kayclmstuy
0
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
those people have hands, legs and brain to work
lampardbenjamin
0
Former Chelsea defender instead of current Real Madrid defender π€¦πΎββοΈ
if it was Ronaldo and Manchester United wasn't mentioned I guess you'd be cool, rytβοΈ...ππ
winiklmnrs
1
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
from Africa [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
AFerusmc6546
2
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
U foolish go hustle ur own money and share, ewu
Kinbdeklnz
5
rudiger good player
Dehbdkny
4
instead of sending the money to his hungry brothers and sisters in his country he is using it for animals Africans where are you coming from
hiacenrsuy
1
Former Chelsea defender instead of current Real Madrid defender π€¦πΎββοΈ
You no get sense
Football_Wiz25
0
Former Chelsea defender instead of current Real Madrid defender π€¦πΎββοΈ