Rudiger delighted after 'ideal' campaign for Roma

Antonio Rudiger has admitted he enjoyed an almost perfect season for AS Roma - progressing considerably as a player at the Stadio Olimpico.

The 23-year-old was a key member of the Giallorossi throughout the campaign, ultimately making 30 appearances in the league and scoring two goals.

The Germany international was a consistent presence in Roma’s backline as they finished the season in dominant fashion, ultimately securing third in the Serie A table.

"We finished the second half of the season with a well-deserved 3-1 win against AC Milan,” Rudiger told German outlet Sport-Informations-Dienst. “17 games unbeaten, 14 victories - that's a really good run of results.

“It's a pity that we couldn't reach second, but Napoli and Juventus didn't slip up very often."

The season was also one of great personal development for the Germany international, who established himself in the Giallorossi backline alongside Kostas Manolas and became a key player for coach Luciano Spalletti.

The versatile defender believes he learned a lot over the campaign, and grew as a player and a person from the experience of playing in high-level competition.

"For me personally ... after some start-up difficulties the season in Rome was ideal for me,” he added. “I can say I played in the UEFA Champions League for a top Italian team - a year ago not everybody expected that from me.

“I have grown from that personally ... and that's why I don't need to worry about my future."

A strong finish to the season for Roma was tempered for Rudiger somewhat by news of the relegation of his parent club, VFB Stuttgart.

The defender took to Instagram to express his sadness, writing: “This club belongs in the Bundesliga and not to the second division, I hope that they can soon return to the top.”