Loftus-Cheek reveals the TWO people behind Milan transfer

Cameron Smith

• 4 Jul 2023 15:44 BST
• 3 min read

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed that conversations with former Chelsea team-mate Fikayo Tomori and his love for AC Milan and Brazil legend Kaka played a pivotal role in his summer transfer to San Siro.

The English midfielder, who has 10 caps for the Three Lions, left Chelsea after 19 years to join Milan this summer and could replace Sandro Tonali in the Rossoneri’s starting XI after the Italian international’s €70 million move to Newcastle United was confirmed.

Loftus-Cheek was heavily linked with a move to Milan for several weeks before the deal was confirmed, and a €16m fee was enough for the Serie A giants to secure his services.

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Speaking to the club’s official website, Loftus-Cheek admitted that Tomori played a key part in his decision to move to Milan. “It's an honour to play in this shirt,” he said. “I've always wanted to come, I understood what the atmosphere at San Siro means when I've played in the Champions League as an opponent.

“I've been following Milan since [Fikayo] Tomori joined. Fik is a fantastic example, I played with him in the Chelsea youth team and doing it in the same shirt at San Siro will be fantastic. I've talked to him a lot over the last couple of months, asking him about the club.”

He also revealed that a former Milan star was one of his favourites growing up. “I loved watching Kaka,” Loftus-Cheek admitted. “He had fantastic movements.”

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Loftus-Cheek to Milan

The Chelsea academy graduate has signed a four-year deal at Milan, which will keep him at the club until June 2027.

Loftus-Cheek will become the seventh English player to don the famous red and black jersey when he makes his Milan debut, which could come as soon as 23 July during a pre-season friendly against La Liga giants Real Madrid.

Jimmy Greaves, Luther Blissett, Mark Hateley, Ray Wilkins, David Beckham and Tomori are currently the only English players to ever play for Milan.