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Rudiger, 23, was named in Joachim Low’s 23-man squad for the tournament – but a serious knee injury suffered during the squad’s first full training session in France ruled him out of the competition.
The versatile defender underwent surgery to fix the injury soon after, and has already begun the rehabilitation process as he targets a rapid return to the Giallorossi team.
“I heard a loud crack,” Rudiger told German newspaper Bild, when asked about the incident. “In the next second I knew that it was not good.
“The doctor came over and tested my knee. After a few seconds he said to me: ‘Toni, it’s broken. I am sorry.'
“There were no tears. It was a bitter blow, but I tried to face it and accept it immediately. These things are part of the game. I have had experience with knee injuries in the past and I know what I have to do.”
Rudiger was asked how he has watched Germany’s games at the Euros – jokingly responding that he has been doing so “lying down”.
Low’s side face Italy in the quarter-finals of the competition on Saturday, a game Rudiger believes will be another tough test.
“I am pleased at the team’s run so far and I hope the guys can realise their dream,” he noted. “The upcoming games are difficult but Germany have to beat the best if they want to make the final.”
While he will watch the game with interest, Rudiger’s focus is now on recovering his fitness and rejoining Luciano Spalletti’s side for the new campaign.
“I am happy in Italy,” he said. “I will work hard to get fit again and then give everything."
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