Ruben Loftus-Cheek has quickly adapted to life in Italy, with an impressive first season tally of 10 goals and two assists in 40 matches. The midfielder, who joined AC Milan after leaving Chelsea, has shed light on the atmosphere at the club under new coach Paulo Fonseca, and the guidance they receive from club legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who returned as a special advisor following his retirement.
Ibrahimovic has played a key role behind the scenes, offering advice and motivating the players. Loftus-Cheek explained that the Swedish icon constantly emphasizes the prestigious history of the club and their shared ambition to win. “He believes in us and reminds us of the club’s legacy,” said the midfielder. Ibrahimovic’s hands-on approach has made a strong impression on the squad, as he attends training and holds meetings to offer personalized advice, particularly urging Loftus-Cheek to be more decisive in front of goal. “He thinks I can score even more, so I need to focus on being around the box and converting chances,” added the Englishman.
Milan’s Slow Start Under Fonseca
Milan have struggled under Fonseca’s management so far this season, collecting just two points from their first three Serie A games. Despite the shaky start, Loftus-Cheek insists the team has complete faith in the Portuguese coach. He explained that the team is working hard every day in training to adapt to Fonseca’s philosophy. “In moments like this, when things aren’t going well, you have to step back and see the bigger picture. We have a new manager and need time to fully learn his system,” Loftus-Cheek commented.
He acknowledges that both the fans and the players are eager for victories, but believes patience is key to achieving long-term success. “We all want to win, but it’s important to remain focused on the process. Once we fully integrate with the manager’s ideas, the wins will come. We just need to keep working hard and trusting the process,” he concluded.
A New Start and Reflections on Chelsea
Looking back on his career, Loftus-Cheek admitted that moving to Milan has allowed him to flourish in ways he wished had happened earlier. Reflecting on his time at Chelsea, he spoke about the difficulties of transitioning from academy football to the first team, expressing that he might have benefited from leaving the club sooner. “If I could go back, I would’ve left Chelsea at 16,” he revealed, advising young players to consider leaving for more opportunities if they face similar struggles.
