Rudiger: I'm benefitting a lot from playing abroad

Antonio Rüdiger has nine caps to his name for Germany, and has been playing for top Italian club AS Roma since August of last year.

The 23-year-old has been enjoying his time in Rome and has his sights set on the European Championships this summer. In an interview with Sport-Informations-Dienst, Rüdiger discusses his club, life in Italy, and his chances of being included in Joachim Löw’s final EURO squad.

Mr. Rüdiger, how would you sum up Rome?

Passion. It’s an incredible city with excellent weather and lovely food - and exceptional fans.

You learned the language quickly. How important was that?

Crucial. I don’t speak perfect Italian, but it’s not bad. My aim is to give an interview in Italian following the last match against Milan.

How does playing abroad help you develop as a player?

There’s nothing better - you grow up fast. I love to take on challenges like this in all aspects of my life.

Unfortunately you were subject to racist abuse during your time abroad. How have you dealt with that?

It is sadly the case that you do hear these monkey noises in certain stadiums. It is of course very insulting, and you ask yourself why people feel the need to do it. But I don’t let it affect me. If I react in any way, then I am the idiot because it means they have done exactly what they set out to do. There are idiots everywhere, but you should never give them the attention they require.

Have you ever had a similar experience in Germany?

Fortunately only once, in a third-division match in Jena.

Is it a general problem in Italy or just in the stadiums?

Absolutely not. The people here are very friendly and nice. I am always being hugged and kissed on the streets, which takes some getting used to for me as a German (laughs). People here are generally very emotional.

AS Roma reserve the right to buy you until the 15th June. Is it important for you to have regular playing time ahead of the EUROs?

I’m not concerning myself with that. I still have seven matches with AS Roma and what happens after that lies in the hands of those responsible.

What do you think your chances are of being in the EURO squad?

I would like to there and think I have a good chance.

You look set to be given a squad place. Will it be difficult to get in the starting Xi if both Jérôme Boateng and Mats Hummels are fit?

If both Jérôme and Mats are fit, then of course it will be difficult.

Would you be happy to play at right back? Joachim Löw has been looking for a solution there for a few years.

I have played there a few times, and I’m starting to like it. If you are there, you want to play, regardless of position.

Have you discussed this with Löw?

He knows that I can play at right back. It’s his decision, and it’s one I would 100% accept.

You played your first international match in 2014 shortly before the World Cup and even got Man of the Match. Despite that, it was Christoph Kramer who made the step up to the squad. Do you often think ‘what if’?

Of course I have thought about it once or twice. Bu everything is okay. Jogi told me I would get my chance in team after the tournament. And I have to admit my performances were not as consistent as they needed to be.

Your brother was a huge talent. He played 24 Bundesliga matches in the end, and is now your agent. Do his positive and negative experiences help you develop as a player?

I have learned a lot from him. My brother is the best person to give my advice. He was in the business, but didn’t quite make it. I have learned from his mistakes, and he is now enjoying a successful career as a player agent.

What exactly have you learned?

To keep my private life private. He has also given me many footballing tips, which are extremely valuable.

You left home at the age of 15 to Borussia Dortmund. Was that a difficult period for you?

It wasn’t easy. I had a good year, but you miss friends and family. It was clear to me that I wanted to be a professional. You need to take risks though - no risk, no fun. In the end I learned what it takes to stand on my own two feet. This helped me a lot when I moved to Italy at the age of 22.

Is it true that you are doing charity work in Sierra Leone?

Yes, it’s my second home. Poverty there is a big problem, and I am determined to help and give something back.