Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger says he did “what I had to do” to convince compatriot Timo Werna to join the Blues.
Werna will move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after completing a £47.5 million ($59m) deal to join Chelsea.
The RB Leipzig striker was linked with some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Liverpool, but opted to join Frank Lampard’s side.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, Rudiger said he held talks with the young forward to convince him to join the Blues.
According to him, having a long-standing relationship with Werna helped convince him to move to West London.
"I did speak to him before because we have known each other for a long time," Rudiger told Chelsea's official website.
"We spoke a lot during the lockdown and he told me he was interested in coming to England. Of course then I did my bit, what I had to do."
He added: "Like everyone, I’m very excited that he’s chosen Chelsea and I’m looking forward to working with him. I’ve known him since he was 17 and he did very good in the past few years. He can be very important for us."
Werna has so far enjoyed an impressive campaign with RB Leipzig, scoring 2 goals in 44 matches this season.
