Antonio Rudiger has deliberately raised opponents at Chelsea to ‘wake up the fans’ as he admits he loves to ‘provoke’ rivals.

ANTONIO RUDIGER has admitted teasing opponents on purpose in a game to wake up silent Chelsea fans.

The former Blues defender was bored with the lack of atmosphere at Stamford Bridge when they hosted Newcastle last season.

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Centre-back Ruediger admitted he often picks a target from the opposition to get the best of himself in the end.

The German, now at Real Madrid, said: “I’ll be honest: I deliberately teased people because it was just too quiet in the stadium for me during that game.

“I wanted to wake people up with it. I like to analyze my opponents and I’m like, ‘Okay, let’s see how they react if I provoke them a bit.

“But it’s not like I pick someone before every game. That happens spontaneously.”

Rudiger was a huge favorite with Chelsea fans during his five years there because of his uncompromising attitude and prickly personality.

He reluctantly left on a free transfer at the end of last season because the old Chelsea board couldn’t tie him to a new contract.

Rudiger has joined European champions Real Madrid to work alongside ex-Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.

And Ruediger was blown away by the Italian’s unique man-management, which made him feel wanted in Spain.

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Rüdiger said: “I had only been in our new house with my family for a few hours – we were just having a barbecue – and suddenly the doorbell rang.

“I opened it and Carlo Ancelotti was right in front of me. A wow moment. He sat down at the table with us, ate with us and got to know my family.

“Quite normal, very down to earth. He was there for two hours, we talked about everything.

“I’ll be honest, I’ve never experienced anything like this, a coach has never done anything like that for me. After the few months with him.

I deliberately teased people because it was just too quiet in the stadium for me during this game

Antonio Ruediger

“I have to say: When dealing with players, Ancelotti is untouchable. Stop Don Carlo, a coaching legend – he racked up Champions League titles even as a kid.

“To work with him every day now and at the most successful club in the world is wonderful.”

Rudiger doesn’t seem to miss Chelsea too much. Pay homage to his new best pal Toni Kroos – a Germany international and now team-mate in the Spanish capital.

Rüdiger said: “We always got along well and respectfully with the national team, but always exchanged two sentences with each other.

“Something like ‘Hey, how are you?’ and ‘Bye’, maybe because we just didn’t have enough time.

“I met another Toni Kroos at Real. He speaks very good Spanish, is completely open and also very helpful.

“He supported me with the language from day one and offered to help me with other things several times out of nowhere. He’s a very relaxed guy.”