The best time of my career

Antonio Rudiger may end up leaving Chelsea as a free agent at the end of the season — but he is loving life at Stamford Bridge. 

The German centre-back, 28, netted the only goal of the game last night as the Blues won 1-0 at Tottenham to progress to the Carabao Cup final 3-0 on aggregate.

And Rudiger’s post-match interview suggested his future may lie elsewhere. 

He said: “I am enjoying it. I think you have to see it about chapters and I have enjoyed this chapter. 

“I have enjoyed it so far. It is the best time of my career.”

Along with Barcelona, Rudiger has been linked with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. 

But Blues boss Thomas Tuchel remains upbeat about the club’s chances of keeping hold of the rugged defender. 

He said: “We have confidence [to keep him] and have things to offer. 

“He is the player he is in a Chelsea shirt and in the Chelsea environment. I think he knows that very well.”

Bowen is Lion in wait

David Moyes has backed Jarrod Bowen to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England plans. 

The in-form attacker bagged a double last night as West Ham beat Premier League basement boys Norwich 2-0 to move into the top four. 

And Moyes believes it should simply be a matter of time before Bowen, 25, receives international recognition. 

The Hammers boss said: “Sometimes you need someone who is slightly different. 

“He’s scoring goals at the highest level, so I don’t think he’ll be too far away in England’s thoughts. 

“Provided he’s playing well for West Ham he’ll be recognised by the media and people in this country.”

Ron wants more from United

Cristiano Ronaldo insists Manchester United should not settle for anything less than a place in the Premier League’s top three this season. 

United are currently languishing in seventh and Champions League qualification appears unlikely. 

But serial winner Ronaldo, 36, has not given up hope of Ralf Rangnick’s men charging up the table. 

He said: “What I can say is we can do better — all of us. 

“Manchester [United] belongs to important things, so we have to change that. 

“I don’t want to be here to be in sixth place, or seventh place, or fifth place. I’m here to try to win, to compete.

“I don’t accept that our mentality be less than being in the top three in the Premier League.”

Stevie G sealed my move

Lucas Digne admits the opportunity to play for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa was too good to turn down. 

The left-back, 28, completed his switch from Everton for a reported £25million earlier today. 

And he cannot wait to get to work under Liverpool legend Gerrard after falling out with Toffees boss Rafa Beitez. 

Digne said: “I came here for the manager. I had a very good meeting with him and we spoke a couple of times during this month. 

“I feel his desire to win, to show his football as a manager — the attacking football, the possession.

“I feel it’s what I want and what I want to show to the fans.”

Source: Livescore.