Big-hearted Rudiger sells signed shirt to help save endangered pygmy hippos

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

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

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

Among the items for sale are Toni's first mini-football and a life-size statue of the zoo's Indian rhinoceros, Betty.

But perhaps the most eye-catching collectible on offer was 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 seeks to protect pygmy hippos in their natural habitat.

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

“Little Toni and I are proud to be ambassadors and work together to protect this endangered species and its habitat.

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

“That's why I hope that as many people as possible will join this initiative.”

It is the latest in a long line of charitable efforts by Rudiger.

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 the life-changing operations of 11 children.

Rudiger spent five years at Chelsea, where he made 203 appearances and won 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, the Copa del Rey, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the Club World Cup and two UEFA Super Cups.