AC Milan's midfielder, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, has granted an interview to the microphones of DAZN. Here are the words of the 27-year-old Englishman who arrived last summer from Chelsea to the Rossoneri:
"Milan? After playing against them in the Champions League, they showed interest in me. I wasn't thinking too much about it, the season at Chelsea was still long, but things changed towards the end. Milan has always been a great club, and after talking with Pioli, I was convinced to move here."
On his position and where he feels the best on the field:
"I've played in many roles throughout my career, in the last two years mostly in a defensive position, and it wasn't natural for me. I've always liked having the ball at my feet, having the freedom to create, to be decisive. I couldn't do that in the last two seasons, that way of playing didn't make me happy. Now, I play in a position where I have more freedom, so I feel good."
Loftus-Cheek on Stefano Pioli's expectations:
"He wants me to be physically dominant in midfield. I think one of my characteristics is the ability to bypass many players with strength, speed, and power. It's something I rely on a lot, it's my contribution as a player. The more I can show it on the field, the more dominant I can be to help the team."
On Olivier Giroud and Lautaro Martinez derby challenge:
"They are two very different players. Personally, I love playing with Olivier because he's excellent at holding the ball: I like to run behind him because I know that if I play off of him, he'll pass it back to me in the perfect spot... he's truly an excellent reference point. And he's very skilled at scoring headers. I haven't seen much of Lautaro coming from the Premier League, but he seems 'lethal' as a finisher, he has a winning mentality. I'm sure I'll see a bit more of him in the Derby."
On his experience with Italian coaches, he said:
"I always felt that Sarri and Conte wanted to help me improve as much as possible. I've found that Italian coaches are like that, regardless of age or where you come from: they always want to help you."
On the Derby della Madonnina, Loftus-Cheek said:
"I can't wait to play in the Derby. They are very strong, but so are we: there's always a key to beating the opponent, and we are confident that we have the right players and mentality to win that match."
