Milan presented their new signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek today, who discussed everything from his memories of the club to the new project under Stefano Pioli.
The 27-year-old Englishman joined the Rossoneri from Chelsea this month in a deal worth around €20m, penning a four-year contract at the club.
Loftus-Cheek has long been linked with a move to Serie A and now will have the chance to relaunch his career after a difficult few years at Chelsea, where he struggled to stand out.
Speaking at his presentation press conference, Loftus-Cheek first remembered playing at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza with Chelsea in the Champions League.
“Yes. In that match it was a surprise for us to hear that noise in the stadium, everyone was loud, and the support of the fans was truly extraordinary, I’d never seen that until then. A great feeling for us players too.”
He was asked if he’s spoken about life in Italy with his former Blues teammate Fikayo Tomori.
“I spoke a lot with Tomori, I asked him how Milan is, and he told me that I’ll like it very much, that it is a beautiful city, that the team is extraordinary, and that the passion of the fans supports you 100%.
“Before speaking with him I knew that Milan had a long-standing history that I wanted to be part of. I don’t speak Italian yet, but Fik helped me with that too.”
The Englishman touched on the famous midfielders of years prior at Milan.
“I particularly loved seeing how Kakà played, the way he handled the ball was truly extraordinary. Not that I want to compare myself to him, but the way he handled the ball is a source of inspiration. Pirlo too, extraordinary.”
He spoke about his decision to take the number 8 shirt.
“I fully understand the weight associated with the number 8. I think it demonstrates my ambition to fully support the team.”
Loftus-Cheek discussed the goals for the coming season.
“This season for Milan we aim for constant improvement. We will have to try to win every match.”
He opened up about his preferred role in the midfield.
“The season with Sarri was the best in terms of numbers, the role I held with him was my favourite.
“During my career I’ve played in various roles, but I felt more comfortable in that one, in which I can give the greatest contribution to the team, and coming to Milan to play in my favourite position is a very important thing.
“The last few years I’ve played a lot in defence due to some injuries, but it’s not my favourite position. As a mezzala I’ll try to get back to Sarri’s numbers.”
The Englishman was asked about Milan’s prior interest in him.
“Maldini had already told me that Milan had been impressed by my performances after Milan-Chelsea, but then I remained focused on Chelsea. Then this came up with those in charge and in the end it materialised.”
He confirmed that Christian Pulisic will join the club imminently.
“Pulisic will arrive tomorrow. We’ve already spoken, he’ll give us a big hand.”
Loftus-Cheek commented on his first conversations with Pioli.
“Before signing with Milan, an important element was discussing my position with the staff. As I already said, I had different roles at Chelsea. I try to give my best on the pitch, so I try to do what the coach wants he asks. I’m glad I can be here.”
He explained why he accepted the move to the Rossoneri.
“Kakà, Pirlo, lots of champions, a great team… I couldn’t say no, even to have a new experience abroad. It’s a great opportunity to show everyone my talent and try to excel.”
The 27-year-old was not concerned about a Three Lions call-up.
“Returning to the national team is an important objective, but now I want to focus on what to do here at Milan. It’s not my priority to win back a spot with the English national team.”
He spoke about the differences between Serie A and the Premier League.
“I’ll be able to tell you more in a few months, but in general it’s my physicality that I’d like to bring to Serie A.
“I’ve had several top-level coaches in England, but the one I’ve always felt best with was Sarri. He told me that if I was looking good, I would have played.”
Loftus-Cheek was asked how many goals he’d score this season.
“I don’t have set goals, but I want to play in a position that allows me to score a lot of goals. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself, but I want to improve as much as I can. Sarri has been crucial in my career.”
Finally, Loftus-Cheek discussed his suitability for Pioli’s system at Milan.
“I feel at ease in a three-man midfield, I also played with the 4-3-3 in the Chelsea Academy and I’m used to it. Maybe that’s why I was so effective with Sarri. I’m happy if this option is chosen, but I adapt to what the coach chooses.”
I think he picked the wrong team, he mentioned Sarri in every 2nd sentence..