Ruben Loftus-Cheek has spoken about the positive first impressions he has had since joining AC Milan, also touching on the importance of the preseason preparations.
Loftus-Cheek was Milan’s first paid-for signing of the summer window and he arrived to bolster a midfield department that needed rebuilding after the sale of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United for a club-record fee.
Milan have just landed in Las Vegas after spending the last 10 days in Los Angeles and they will face Barcelona for their last friendly match of the USA tour before returning to Italy.
Before the game at the Allegiant Stadium, Loftus-Cheek spoke at a press conference and his statements were reported on the official Milan website.
On the USA tour: “I’ve been to Los Angeles before, while it’s my first time in Las Vegas and I hope to take the time to see the city. These days we’ve realised that the people are incredible and passionate, and it’s not something you expect in a country where football is not the most popular sport.
“The crowds are noisy, the stadiums very hot, especially the one we’re going to play in is incredible, I just saw it.”
On his first few weeks at Milan: “Arriving in a new country, with a new language, is always a challenge. I must say that my team-mates, especially those who speak English well and whom I already knew, are helping me a lot to overcome this ‘first barrier’ I feel really good, I’m in the right place.”
On Stefano Pioli: “In recent weeks we’ve been learning to show what he asks of us, he wants a very aggressive and attacking style, a fluid style.
“We want the ball at our feet, we have the qualities to build as much as the coach asks us. The more we play, the more we manage to refine the automatisms and the chemistry between us.”
On his ability to contribute in attack: “In 2018-19 I scored 10 goals for Chelsea with Sarri as coach, because I occupied a more advanced position and this allowed me to be more present in the penalty area.
“Then, due to some injuries and the fact having played further back, I lost my sense for goal a bit, but this year I have the opportunity to go back to playing as I like and I hope to score more.”
On the friendships he has made so far: “I’m sorry we didn’t win the previous two, but in any case both games have left us many positive ideas to work on.
“I think we played well both against Real Madrid and against Juventus, this phase of the season must allow us to accumulate minutes together, to grow, to increase the feeling between us.
“Against Barcelona we will have a great opportunity to do well, we know that we can play an excellent game.”
On Christian Pulisic: “Chris and I come from the same club, Chelsea, and I find it nice to be together again. We are hungry, we have the opportunity to play in a new country and for a very important club. We hope to be able to exploit make the most of this occasion.”