Big-hearted former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger sells signed shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos

It is the latest charitable gesture from Rudiger who is known for his philanthropy

Posted Thursday, November 21, 2024 by Thesun.co.uk

FORMER Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is set to sell a signed match-worn Real Madrid shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos.

The German, 31, is already the honorary sponsor of Berlin Zoo's pygmy hippo, Toni.

Antonio Rudiger has teamed up with Berlin Zoo to protect pygmy hippos

But now the centre-back has partnered with the zoo for an auction which will take place on the online platform Catawiki.

Among the items on sale are hippo Toni's first mini football and a life-sized sculpture of the zoo's Indian rhinoceros, Betty.

But perhaps the most eye-catching collectable on offer has been donated by Real Madrid star Rudiger.

The two-time Champions League winner has signed the shirt he wore during Los Blancos' 4-0 win over Osasuna earlier this month.

All proceeds will go to the Pygmy Hippo Research Project in Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest National Park - which attempts to protect pygmy hippos in their natural habitat.

As reported by Newsflash, Rudiger said: "The habitat of pygmy hippos in West Africa is under severe threat, and it would be truly heartbreaking if these unique animals were to disappear forever.

"Little Toni and I are proud to be ambassadors, working together to protect this endangered species and its habitat.

"The auction supporting the conservation project in Sierra Leone is a great opportunity to actively contribute and help ensure the survival of pygmy hippos and many other species.

"That's why I hope as many people as possible will join this initiative."

It is the latest in a long line of Rudiger's charitable endeavours.

The ex-Chelsea man, whose parents were born in Sierra Leone, flew back to the West African country in 2022 to unveil The Antonio Rudiger Foundation.

Also in 2022, the German donated the money he earned from playing in the World Cup to pay for 11 childrens' life-changing surgeries.

Rudiger spent five years at Chelsea where he played 203 games, winning the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.

He joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022 and has already won a LaLiga title, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, Club World Cup and two Uefa Super Cups.