WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina, June 17 (Reuters) - Germany ⁠defender Antonio Ruediger is happy being cast as the villain amid criticism of his on-pitch ⁠behaviour and said on Wednesday that controversy generates clicks and any publicity was good ‌publicity.

Ruediger, who earned a one-year contract extension at Real Madrid on Tuesday, has often found himself in the spotlight for his aggressive play, provoking opponents or showing dissent.