Ruben Loftus-Cheek has stressed that he feels a responsibility to win trophies at AC Milan, while he also spoke about his adaptation to life in Italy.
The Englishman was the first paid-for signing of the summer for Milan as he joined from Chelsea, following the path that Fikayo Tomori took as a Cobham graduate that moved to the Rossoneri to try and relaunch his career.
The 27-year-old started his first game in Serie A on Monday night during the 2-0 win against Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. He took up more of a deeper role compared to the one he had during preseason, giving Rade Krunic some support and allowing Tijjani Reijnders to play a bit further forward.
Loftus-Cheek spoke to the reporters who were present at the event and answered questions on a number of different topics, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
On the first months with the Rossoneri: “It’s very nice to meet the fans. It’s been a fantastic first few months with Milan and being able to find the first win on Monday was perfect. Now let’s think about Saturday, so all is well.”
On the match against Bologna: “It was a very difficult match. Being able to keep a clean sheet and win was perfect. Now we want to be consistent and keep improving.
“I think that as a team and as individuals in Milan we have a duty to think about winning: whether it’s the Champions League or the Scudetto.”
On Pulisic: “I played with Christian for a while. He’s a top player and a great talent. In Milan it’s a great opportunity where he can show all his qualities and what he can do. It was a perfect debut for him. We want to push each other and help each other to improve.”
On which team-mate has impressed him the most: “All the guys are fantastic. But Tijjani [Reijnders] is very hungry and has been doing well in the last few months. He has impressed me the most and he’s also a good guy.”
On Pioli: “We have an excellent relationship and I hope it will improve when I learn Italian. At the moment it’s still a bit difficult. I hope to start learning Italian soon.”
On the city of Milan: “It’s different, now it’s very very hot. But the people and the fans are fantastic. I can’t wait to play at San Siro and feel the passion of the fans.”
Finally, a message to the fans: “We want to win every match. We have a great team, top players. I think we can achieve important goals this year. We will work as hard as possible and I thank you for your support in the first match in Bologna and I can’t wait to meet you at San Siro.”
Loftus-Cheek ai nostri microfoni: “Siamo il Milan, dobbiamo credere allo Scudetto” (via @TorreGigi) pic.twitter.com/qK8XNga1X6
— MilanNews.it (@MilanNewsit) August 24, 2023
That’s the spirit, man. FORZA, RLC!
play better defense in transition please.
That means he would have to run more. Running is tiring.
Froza milan sempre milan