Ruben Loftus-Cheek reflected on how his move to Milan happened and his excitement ahead of the derby with Inter.
The 27-year-old Englishman joined the Rossoneri from Chelsea in July in a deal worth around €20m total, adding a key reinforcement to Stefano Pioli’s squad.
Loftus-Cheek has already started in all of Milan’s opening three Serie A matches and looks set to grow into an important part of the team. Pioli’s side are currently tied at the top of the table with rivals Inter.
Speaking to DAZN via TMW, Loftus-Cheek first discussed how his move to Milan happened this summer.
“After I played against them in the Champions League, Milan showed they were interested in me. I wasn’t thinking too much about it, the season at Chelsea was still long, but towards the end things changed.
“Milan have always been a great club, and after talking to Pioli I was convinced about moving here.”
The 27-year-old touched on his best positions on the pitch, something that often generates conversation amongst supporters.
“I have played in many roles during my career, the last two years mainly in a defensive position and for me it wasn’t a natural thing. I always liked having the ball between my feet, having the freedom to create, to be decisive.
“In the last two seasons I couldn’t do that, that way of playing didn’t make me happy. Now instead I play in a position where I have more freedom, so I feel good.”
He was asked about his work with coach Pioli.
“He wants me to be physically dominant in midfield. I think one of my characteristics is the ability to overcome many players with strength, speed and power.
“It’s something I rely on a lot, that’s my contribution as a player. The more I can show that on the pitch, the more dominant I can be to help the team.”
Loftus-Cheek looked ahead to a key duel in the Derby della Madonnina between Olivier Giroud and Lautaro Martinez.
“They are two very different players. Personally I love playing with Olivier because he’s very good at keeping the ball, I like to throw the ball behind him because I know that if I play the ball back to him he’ll pass it back to me in the perfect spot… he’s a really good reference point.
“And then he’s very good at scoring with his head. Lautaro, I haven’t seen much of him coming from the Premier League, but he seems ‘lethal’ as a finisher, he really has a winning mentality. I’m sure I’ll see a bit more of him in the derby.”
He touched on his history with Italian coaches.
“I always had the feeling that Sarri and Conte wanted to help me improve as much as possible. I have found that Italian coaches are like that, regardless of age or where you come from, they always want to help you.”
Finally, Loftus-Cheek discussed his emotions ahead of his first Derby della Madonnina.
“I’m looking forward to playing in it. They are very strong, but so are we. There is always a key to beat the opponent and we are confident that we have the right players and the right mentality to win the game.”