Antonio Rudiger has insisted that he would have remained at Stamford Bridge regardless of Frank Lampard’s future at the club.

He told the Athletic: “Just to make this clear: I would have stayed at Chelsea no matter the name of the manager.

“I was not always happy about the results, but I felt that I’m still an important part of the squad. After a difficult situation for me around autumn last year my playing time increased a lot.

“There was no reason to look for a new challenge for me, as I feel comfortable at the club and in London.

“I don’t think we Germans have an advantage right now, just because our coach is German. As the coach has already said, we all have to prove ourselves now and no one can be sure that he has a position in the starting line-up.

“The first steps with him have been quite good, but there’s still a long way to go.”