Ruben Loftus-Cheek has explained the reasoning behind choosing to join AC Milan and leave Chelsea, citing the opportunity to become a leader.
Loftus-Cheek became Milan’s second signing of the summer after Marco Sportiello, joining on a four-year deal from Chelsea where he had come through the academy. Fabrizio Romano reported that the fee paid is an initial €16m plus €4m in add-ons.
We published a comprehensive analysis of the English midfielder including his background, his style of play, strengths and weaknesses, and fans saw him in action for the first time yesterday at the first day of preseason training.
Loftus-Cheek spoke to the reporters who gathered at Milanello for his first official press conference as a Milan player, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
What emotions did you have yesterday at the first day of preseason?
“During the Milan-Chelsea game in the Champions League I was impressed by the atmosphere in the stadium. The support from the fans is extraordinary, I saw great passion.”
At Milan you meet Tomori again. What did he tell you about the club?
“When things started to evolve I spoke a lot with Tomori. He told me I would love it, the fans are fantastic and always support you. I know the long history of Milan. I don’t speak Italian yet, so Tomori told me helped on that too. I hope to learn the Italian language soon.”
Is there any Rossoneri midfielder from the past that you admire?
“I loved seeing how Kakà played. I don’t want to compare myself to him, but his way of running with the ball is a source of inspiration. Pirlo was also an extraordinary player, even if he was a little different from me.”
You will wear the number 8 shirt…
“I know how much this number means at Milan. It shows my ambition.”
What are Milan’s goals this season?
“This season we have to work to keep improving. We will have to try to win everything we play in. It will be challenging, but that’s our aim.”
You had a good spell under Maurizio Sarri…
“Maybe that, in terms of numbers, was my best season. I played in my favourite position in that season. I would like to play in that position. In recent years I’ve had some injuries and I’ve played in more defensive positions.”
Did Maldini and Massara try to sign you?
“When I played against Milan in the Champions League, after that match, Maldini told me he was impressed by my performances. This possibility arose from there and has become increasingly concrete.”
Have you spoken with Pulisic?
“Pulisic will arrive tomorrow. We’ve already spoken, he’ll give us a big hand.”
You arrive in a midfield that needs to be rebuilt…
“Yes, I’m ready. I’ve had some injuries, now I feel good, to help the team and also be a leader.”
What can the decision to come to Milan bring you?
“I’m really happy to be here. I want to give my contribution to the team. I spent many years at Chelsea, but in recent years I was not satisfied with my contribution, I was unable to excel and so I think this was the right time to change team and be able to contribute.”
In which position do you want to use Pioli?
“Before signing I also spoke to the coach about my role. I played in other roles at Chelsea. I always try to give my best. I’m really happy to be here.”
Why did you choose Milan?
“The history of Milan, there have been many great players here. I couldn’t say no to Milan. Here I can grow a lot. A new adventure is starting and it’s a great opportunity.”
Are you aiming to get back into the England team like Tomori?
“If Tomori continues like this, he will return to the national team. It is an objective to return to the national team, but now I only want to think about Milan. At the moment, the national team is not my priority.”
What are the differences between the Premier League and Serie A?
“I’ll tell you in a few months. I want to bring my physicality here.”
Who is your favourite technician?
“I’ve had several good coaches at Chelsea, perhaps the one who gave me the most was Sarri. I have great respect for him. I did well with him.”
How many goals would you like to score?
“I want to play in a position that allows me to score more goals. I want to give my contribution and reach important numbers, but I don’t want to put pressure on myself.”
Are you good on set pieces?
“I’m tall, I’m a very physical player, so I can also give my contribution on set pieces.”
Is it possible for Milan to switch from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3?
“I think the role I find best is in a three-man midfield. I feel at ease. If the 4-3-3 is chosen I’ll be happy, but I adapt to what the coach chooses.”
Good conference, he seems very eager to get going, with the added bonus of him playing in his preferred position, as he was under Sarri, he should be good, he ripped us apart from CM last season when we faced them in the Champions League, hoping he’ll settle quick and perform at a level as expected. Welcome Ruben
All i rember from those matches is Milan had half of the 1st team out and tomori got a sh!ty red early on..
His direct opposition was Tonali-Bennacer and he turned them inside out in that game, he controlled the midfield with Kovacic sitting a bit deeper. On both sides of the ball he was excellent, defense, attack and bringing the ball up when transitioning from defense to attack, something we’ve struggled with when Leao and Theo were out. Hope to see some good things from him, he’s wearing the red and black now so people hating on him is pointless. If we get the player he was under Sarri then we’re in for a treat.
One game doesn’t bring Christmas or what’s the saying. Lol
Tonali benacer pivot was cráp, plain and true.
I do hope he does good but I’ve got no expectations
Even if there might have been better options in his position, his physicality will be a huge plus. Maybe we won’t be the worst team at set pieces anymore.
While he is probably good at CM, CDM or even AM, it’s likely he’s going to play in the TT the most 😂 (treatment table)
Buddy he isn’t that injury prone, he’s played round about the same amount of matches as Bennacer across the last 3 seasons, his serious injury occured after the 2018 World Cup, he’s played over 100 matches in the past 3 seasons with 33 gp last season and 40 gp in 21/22.
Alright buddy let’s see what we have here.
This is for league games and cups and European cups according to transfermarkt.
RLC 20/21: 33 games, 2085 minutes
21/22: 40 gms, 2158mins
22/23: 33 GM’s, 1912 mins
Total: 106gms, 6155 mins
Bennacer 20/21: 30gms, 1908 mins
21/22: 40gms, 2102 mins
22/23: 40gms, 2732 mins
Total: 110gms, 6742
So he’s played around the same matches I’ll give you that in the sense of appearances. I haven’t checked the starting XI vs subs appearances but I think that would be in favour of Bennacer. Benn has also played 10% more games (or a full 6+ matches) which is not small by any means.
I haven’t broken these down by average midfield substitution but assuming on avg mids get replaced on the 70min mark, that’s about 8 playable games more.
Out of the 3 mids Kessie, Tonali and Ben, yes Benn is the most injury prone out of the three from memory. 4 if you also include Krunic
Btw if you go beyond 3 years back, the numbers shift vastly in favour of Bennacer
Yes he’ll definitely add physicallity in our mid. And will be useful for set pieces (both defend and attack) too. Just make sure we’d have a decent set pieces taker.
Orsolini can do that. If Chukwu hard then just get Orsolini.
Welcome Ruben. As Pioli said . He is Self-motivated and up for the task. He will do well.