Rudiger: I root for Sierra Leone from London

Thomas Tuchel described his defender as an aggressive leader in the field, but far from it he has a soft side.

Antonio Rudger has discovered that he is supporting Sierra Leone in their campaign of the African Nations Cup (Afcon) in an effort to stay connected to his parents' place.

His mother Lily was forced to leave Sierra Leone after the 1991 civil war and gave birth to her child in Germany, where she was later deployed.

Raised in Berlin's new Neulcoln area, the German has become one of the best defenders in the world. However, he remains attached to his roots through football and his charitable work.

What did Rudger say about Afcon?

“Of course I'm rooting for Sierra Leone from London”, Rudger told GOAL. “I am in regular contact with one or two of the players via the Instagram. I actually had a great time with Kay Camara.

I think the team mentality is really extraordinary. They're all wonderful characters going to every game. Only 0-0 against Algeria was a great success they could win only in the next few matches.

They were extremely well protected and have a world-class goalkeeper at Mohammed Camara. Fortunately guys don't play anymore until Sunday, so I can watch all on TV again after our match against Manchester City. ”

What else does Rudger have to do with Sierra Leone?

Rudiger is involved in the Big Shoe children's aid organization in Lunasar. In recent weeks, Rudger has enabled damaged children to be treated through costly but life - changing operations.

Symbolically, he has helped eleven children, the number of players in a football team. Besides, he sent each one a fan of the Chelseas named Rudiger back.

He said: “Every child has dreams, but not everyone has the chance to follow them. I want to change it!

“Through football I have been given the opportunity to help others and improve the lives of these children and their families, and I enjoy watching my children smile in the picture.

I'm very attached to my second home. We've planned more projects. My first visit to Sierra Leone five years ago taught me above all that everything we're supposed to call problem here in Europe is not really a problem at all”, has stated among other things Rudger.