After 19 years as a Chelsea player, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has left the club and com
pleted a permanent transfer to AC Milan.
Loftus-Cheek joined Chelsea as an Under-8 and enjoyed sustained success during h
is time in the Academy. The midfielder won the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Youth L
eague before his elevation to the senior squad during the 2014/15 season.
He made his debut as an 18-year-old against Sporting in the Champions League and
scored his first senior goal against Scunthorpe shortly before his 19th birthda
y
A strong loan spell at Crystal Palace followed, as did selection for the 2018 Wo
rld Cup. Loftus-Cheek made four appearances at the tournament as England reached
the semi-finals.
The Academy graduate returned and went on to make 40 appearances for Chelsea dur
ing the 2018/19 campaign. He struck 10 goals, including a hat-trick against BATE
Borisov in the Europa League, which the Blues went on to win.
Unfortunately, Loftus-Cheek missed the final due to an Achilles injury. He retur
ned to the Chelsea first-team squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign following a se
ason spent on loan at west London neighbours Fulham. The 27-year-old proved hims
elf an important part of the squad under Thomas Tuchel and showcased his versati
lity by being utilised as a wing-back, including in the Santiago Bernabeu agains
t Real Madrid in the Champions League. Another 33 outings followed last term, 21
of which were starts.
A dedicated professional and a friendly and popular person throughout Cobham, Lo
ftus-Cheek departs having made 155 appearances – in which 13 goals were scored
– and with Premier League, Europa League and UEFA Super Cup winner's medals.
We wish Ruben the very best as he begins this next chapter in his career.
https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/goodbye-ruben-loftus-cheek