Antonio Rudiger is left 'speechless' at his 'overwhelming welcome' in Sierra Leone as he's mobbed by fans after arriving to launch his foundation during the winter break

• e-mail

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was mobbed by fans as he arrived in Sierra Leone to launch his foundation. 

The 28-year-old took advantage of the Premier League winter break to 'recharge his batteries' ahead of a crucial stretch of the season and also to set up his non-governmental organisation.

The Germany international flew to the African nation to launch The Antonio Rudiger Foundation For Sierra Leone on Monday and his arrival was met by overexcited fans.

Chelsea centre back Antonio Rudiger (right) was mobbed by fans in Sierra Leone

Rudiger posted a video to Twitter on Tuesday which showed him being swarmed by fans in Freetown, the Sierra Leonean capital. 

The German shared the clip with the caption: 'I'm speechless - these people are crazy.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this overwhelming welcome, Sierra Leone. God bless you all.'

The footage shows a large crowd of people gathered outside a building, dancing as music is played in the background.  

The 28-year-old posted a video to Twitter which showed him being swarmed in Freetown

In his post, Rudiger said he was 'speechless' by the 'overwhelming welcome he received' 

The Chelsea star can then be seen trying to make his way out a building as police officers attempt to hold back the crowds. 

But one fan slipped through their defence, wrapped his arms around Rudiger's neck and tried to cling on to his back before he was pulled away.

Chelsea team-mate Trevoh Chalobah jokingly replied to the post that the fan 'wanted a piggyback'. 

Rudiger was then herded through the mob of fans by a host of officers and security guards to a waiting vehicle. 

One overeager fan (right) tried to cling onto the Germany international's back 

But they were swiftly pulled off the Chelsea star's back by security guards

Chelsea team-mate Trevoh Chalobah joked that the fan 'wanted a piggyback'

On Monday Rudiger posted a photo to his Twitter account showing him sat on a private jet. 

He captioned the post: 'Off to Sierra Leone for some days to recharge batteries for the crucial part of the season.

'Looking forward to finally launch The Antonio Rüdiger Foundation For Sierra Leone there.'

On Monday, Rudiger posted a photo of him sat on a private jet, posing with his thumb up

Rudiger revealed he was flying to Sierra Leone to launch his foundation and recharge 

Rudiger, who has Sierra Leonean roots, has supported many causes in his 'second home' and in 2020 donated $101,000 (£75,000) support Free Quality Education in Sierra Leone. 

More recently,  he collaborated with Big Shoe to help 11 physically challenged children with medical operations. 

Earlier this month, he shared a post on social media thanking Big Shoe for their work, writing: 'Thanks so much to Big Shoe to help these children in need in my 2nd home in Sierra Leone

'This is what really matters in life to see them smiling again. Together we made it possible to give 11 kids a better life again - May God protect and bless them all.'

Rudiger has previously collaborated with Big Shoe to help children in his 'second home'

Thomas Tuchel's side put an end to their mixed recent form after brushing aside Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Sunday thanks to Hakim Ziyech's strike and Thiago Silva's bullet header. 

The Blues sit in third, ten points behind runaway leaders Manchester City, after winning just one of their last five matches. 

Chelsea don't return to Premier League action until February 19, when they take on Crystal Palace, but will host Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup Fourth Round on February 5.