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Ruben Loftus-Cheek lifted the lid on what life has been like under Massimiliano Allegri so far, and revealed he is relishing the chance to play with Luka Modric.
If he can stay fit then Loftus-Cheek will be an added weapon for the Milan midfield, having scored 10 goals in his first season at the club. Allegri has already spoken about utilising the midfielder, clearly seeing something in his qualities.
Loftus-Cheek speaks
Loftus-Cheek gave a virtual interview to The Strait Times in which he spoke about how preseason preparations are going with the new coach, also commenting on the latest addition in 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,” said Loftus-Cheek.
“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.”
The Englishman noted that the players are still getting to know Allegri, given that it is still early in the preseason preparations, but to be working with a winner certainly helps.
He said: “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.”
Loftus-Cheek had a positive first campaign in Italy but in 2024-25 he was kept out a lot by injuries. Therefore, he is eyeing the upcoming season as a chance to rebound, which Allegri seems keen to help him do.
“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.”
It is not totally out of the question that RLC could get a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, given Thomas Tuchel is not the Three Lions head coach. Asked whether the World Cup was on his mind, he played the suggestion down a bit.
“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.”
English (US) ·