“Had more to give”- Former Chelsea star bemoans the lack of opportunities in Blue

Ruben Loftus-Cheek admits he was discontent with the lack of playing time at Chelsea

Former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek has hit back at the club and asserted that he was not happy with his minutes on the pitch in West London. The versatile star was more of a utility man rather than a first XI star.

The Chelsea academy graduate has left the club after two decades at Stamford Bridge and signed for Serie A club AC Milan in a deal worth £15 million earlier this summer. The move reunites him with former Blues duo Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud at the San Siro.

The midfielder has signed a four-year contract and will soon be accompanied by another Chelsea outcast, Christian Pulisic, who will complete his medical for the Rossoneri.

The 27-year-old’s motive to leave Chelsea was the lack of game time last season as the Blues endured a dismal season and finished 12th in the Premier League table. With an overhaul happening this summer, Loftus-Cheek’s standing on the roster was far from secure.

During his time at West London, the midfielder made 155 appearances and won the Premier League as well as the Europa League titles. However, last season, Loftus-Cheek made only 19 Premier League starts and was used in a variety of roles as per the team’ requirement. At the very least, this versatility will hold him in good stead in Milan.

However, Loftus-Cheek has now opened up about his move to AC Milan, (h/t BBC) saying:

“I love the club and the fans, but I wasn’t feeling content with the amount I was playing and the positions I was playing in. I felt I had more to give, but I wasn’t getting the opportunity. I feel good physically and am playing some really good football. It was a good time to move on.”

Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he left Chelsea due to a lack of game-time. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he left Chelsea due to a lack of game time. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

What he is saying makes sense considering the player is bound to take charge of his career and the club will look out for their best interests. If a player isn’t satisfied, he is going to leave the team and will seek what is best for him.

We have no qualms about the midfielder’s decision to move on and forge a new career for him elsewhere. Hopefully he succeeds and goes on to fulfill his potential in Milan’s famous colours.

More Chelsea News

Loftus-Cheek is a good player, and will be a good fit for Milan. The Serie A giants are also looking for a face lift after a dissapointing 2022/23 season. With the player and club keen to make an impact, it could prove to be a happy marriage.