AC Milan's midfielder, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, spoke to Straitstimes about several topics, including the arrival of midfielder Luka Modric:
"I’ve played against him a few times. He’s a Ballon d’Or winner, not many people can say that. He’s a top footballer, he’s had a top career and to have that kind of experience in the team and the quality of player, he’s going to offer a lot to the team."
He continued to talk about Luka Modric:
"I’m very excited to welcome him here and to get to know him as a person as well because he’s someone all footballers look up to, the way he’s been able to stay at the top of his game for so long."
While Loftus-Cheek noted that the players are still getting to know Allegri, having only just begun pre-season training, he is excited to be playing under a manager of his pedigree.
"He’s just getting to know other players on a personal basis, and developing the relationship with everyone, but you can see how he works, very intense when he works. He’s won so many, so many things, so many trophies in the past that you can’t help but look up to what he’s done, and have huge respect for the manager."
On his time in Italy so far, Loftus-Cheek commented:
"Two years, two campaigns now in Serie A and Italy, the football differs slightly, it is more tactical. Some teams how they play here is different to what I was facing in the Premier League. But that’s why Serie A is unique and it’s a challenge every season. It’s a very tough league, and I’m really enjoying it. I’m looking forward to this new season, to see what we can accomplish."
He was asked whether the World Cup was on his mind:
"Potentially, but it’s not at the forefront of my mind. A good season might help me get there, but I have to take it game by game. We work endlessly in training every day and make sure we perform. If everything is going well, it will take care of itself."
