Antonio Rudiger responds with 2-word message after Real Madrid president Florentino Perez tells him that he can play in NFL

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger responded to his club president Florentino Perez's observation that he could play in the National Football League (American Football) in the US, considering his burly frame.

Rudiger, 32, has been with Los Blancos since the summer of 2022 after arriving on a free transfer following a stint with Chelsea. Since then, the German has become a key player in Madrid's XI.

In 157 appearances across competitions, Rudiger has scored seven times and provided four assists. He has played just once this season - in La Liga - since featuring in a 4-0 semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals in the United States.

Currently recuperating from a hamstring injury picked up in training in September, Rudiger attended the historic NFL game at the Santiago Bernabeu between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

A moment during the first NFL regular-season game in Spain - which the Commanders lost 16-13 in overtime - saw Madrid president Perez telling Rudiger that he could play in the German (as translated from Spanish):

"You could play here, considering how big you are"

The German simply responded:

"No, no."

It's pertinent to note that the average height of an NFL player is 6' 2", which is shorter than Rudiger, but the German is 12 kg lighter than the average weight of players (102 kg) in the league.

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What's next for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid have had a superb start to life under new boss Xabi Alonso, who assumed charge during the FIFA Club World Cup, succeeding the legandary Carlo Ancelotti.

Alonso's side drew goalless at Rayo Vallecano in La Liga just before the ongoing international break. Three points clear at the top, Los Blancos next take on Elche away in the league on Sunday (November 23).

Three days later, they travel to Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, smarting from a 1-0 loss at Premier League champions Liverpool earlier this month.

Edited by Bhargav