As he prepares for the forthcoming European Championships with Germany, the 23-year-old was interviewed about his season in Italy – starting with his impressions of the derby clashes with Lazio.
“They were great experiences – you become a footballer for such games,“ Rudiger told the German outlet Funke Medien Gruppe. “The fans really live those derbies and the atmosphere is great.
“We won both derbies and the fans celebrated us. You can feel, how grateful they are for derby wins. If it’s going good, you are the hero. But I also got to know the other side.
“We were criticised hard in our weaker periods. The tifosi are simply crazy for football and they put their heart and soul in it.“
The defender was also asked about teammate Francesco Totti.
“Of course, Francesco Totti is an idol,“ he said. “The guys in Rome love him.
“He had so many great offers from different international clubs but he rejected - but he always remained loyal to AS Roma. If we are walking into the San Siro, the fans still applaud him. He's an Italian legend.
“He's a calm person and speaks only when it is needed. A great football player. I'm proud to play with him in the same team.“
Rudiger’s future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, but the player insists he is happy with the Giallorossi and keen to play for the club again next season.
“At the moment I'm a AS Roma player,” Rudiger said. “I'm feeling very well in the team and in the city. But you never know what is going to happen in football.
“Maybe the club will make other choices or something happens after the European Championships. But I'm facing the future calmly.”
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