Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger does not like the club, according to Paul Merson, which is why he decided to depart this summer.

Merson believes that the German's choice to leave the club will have an impact on his relationship with the fans.

Rudiger is expected to depart West Ham for Real Madrid after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract.

"Antonio Rudiger is the one player Chelsea couldn't afford to lose," Merson told the Daily Star. But he plainly didn't love the club enough to stay.

He is risking the wrath of the fans now because he is turning down a lot of money and leaving them in the lurch, but let’s be honest: it’s been on the cards for a long, long time.

“I don’t think Rudiger ever had any intention of signing, not after he was frozen out by Frank Lampard.”

Third-placed Chelsea will take on Everton in the Premier League this weekend after they managed a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Thursday.