Alvaro Arbeloa has urged Real Madrid to do everything they can to keep Antonio Rudiger beyond the end of this season, saying the defender is worthy of a statue.
Rudiger's contract with the Spanish giants is due to expire at the end of this campaign, raising fears that he could depart as a free agent.
The Germany international joined Los Blancos on a free after leaving Chelsea in 2022 and has gone on to make 173 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Since the start of 2022-23, only Federico Valverde (216), Vinicius Junior (194), Rodrygo (189) and Aurelien Tchouameni (186) have represented Madrid more often.
Meanwhile, Valverde (17,682) and Vinicius (15,803) are the only Madrid players to play more minutes than Rudiger (13,888) in that time, and the centre-back has lifted the LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup trophies in that time.
Asked about Rudiger's future ahead of Sunday's derby against Atletico Madrid, Arbeloa was clear about his preferred outcome.
He said: "I don't like to get into these issues; I respect both the club and the player a lot, and they are the two sides that have to understand each other.
"But if you ask me... I am willing to build a statue of Rudiger and put it in the garden.
"He is a player who, from the first day I arrived, has only made himself available to the coaching staff.
"I remember perfectly that he sat down with me and said: 'Boss, in March I will be there; when the hard moments come, I will be available'. And boy, he has been.
"It has been fortunate that the treatment he did in London has worked the way it has. He is a mirror, where all young players should look at themselves.
"I hope Real Madrid is aware of how lucky we are to have him at this club. I hope everyone always thanks him for the effort, personality and character that he imprints on us. I can only say absolutely wonderful things about Antonio Rudiger."
EmeraldJ
1
No he puts other's lives on the line by kicking a player with knees on chest deliberately (If you know you know)
Learn to mind your business. Is this a virus on Inter Miami and Barcelona fans? Are You cursed?
Weecknoptz
0
Really!!!! then Ramos deserves a training ground named after him.
poor mind set from a regular Barca fan u guys will always show that ure babies in football he's only appreciating his player Madrid don't live in the past CR7 left SR left but we're still standing strong we don't go around nagging that CR7 or SR should come back just like Barca want Messi back yes Antonio deserves a statue in his own right and capacity it doesn't take away the fact that other former players don't deserve one
Kieaceklst
2
this is not coach from Madrid
Constantinetino
1
Statue for who,wonderful ,even chicharito deserves a statue [Crylaugh]
Don Zayo
0
is a disaster,but you cannot understand because VAR/Ref are working for Real Madrid
continue crying 😭😂
Jelasidown
1
Rudiger? Statue? Wtf are you smoking over there?
zeuabdeklr
0
Shameful… Ramos didn’t get a statue but Rudiger should get?
status for injury players
wowadrsyz
5
so some dull fans will think the statue thing is a statement, it's a way of appreciating his player understanding is difficult
wowadrsyz
0
is a disaster,but you cannot understand because VAR/Ref are working for Real Madrid
neigreira fc
YoungMakito10
0
is a disaster,but you cannot understand because VAR/Ref are working for Real Madrid
aloevera fans 😂
YoungMakito10
0
is a disaster,but you cannot understand because VAR/Ref are working for Real Madrid
aloevera fans 😂
rindnoy
2
is a disaster,but you cannot understand because VAR/Ref are working for Real Madrid
Zueb Khan
0
Rudiger deserves a new contract. He puts his life on the line for Real Madrid
No he puts other's lives on the line by kicking a player with knees on chest deliberately (If you know you know)
Footballking26
0
🙏🙏🙏Rudiger is good player not good technic but he always stronger and responsible! Three time better than all Barcelona full back.
Naaaa if he's a Barcelona defender he would get a red card more than Ramos😂
Mojavelli
0
Shameful… Ramos didn’t get a statue but Rudiger should get?
poubdkmp
2
It's a craziest statement I have ever heard from RM ever since CR7 left
yeeceprtz
1
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
UniverseMan
2
He was the cornerstone of the foundation after Sergio left. of course perhaps sometimes overshadowed by 'the wall' Thibaut, but he and Alaba were brilliant. unfortunately injury marred them recently especially Alaba. . .
huuabenprz
1
Really!!!! then Ramos deserves a training ground named after him.
Arbeloa is talking about a player under his Supervision.. Don’t expect him to talk about Ramos because he didn’t coach him
atyvraj
0
BS..The worst player after Pepe in the RM team deserves a statue...Guess Arebola lost his mind if he has any in the first place
Spheg
2
lol, what a stupid thing to say, a statue??
yeccdinp
3
What is worrying you Barca fans? Please leave us discuss our players.
Miuadeosuz
2
100% agree with Arbeloa.
Miuadeosuz
0
Rudiger deserves a new contract. He puts his life on the line for Real Madrid
Yes he does! he deserves a new contract..guy is a beast.
nakaeilnpr
2
Do not make statute lost respect please.If you cannot do it for CR, SR, and few legends, not that idiot
EmeraldJ
1
Don't let statue lose meaning
Focus on your club... Every club knows what makes it's player deserving of a statue...
EmeraldJ
5
Rudiger deserves a new contract. He puts his life on the line for Real Madrid
fomabeksy
5
🙏🙏🙏Rudiger is good player not good technic but he always stronger and responsible! Three time better than all Barcelona full back.
Hritangshu93
3
Really!!!! then Ramos deserves a training ground named after him.
luzceilmu
5
Don't let statue lose meaning