(Football News) On Friday, AC Milan and Chelsea confirmed that midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has agreed to a four-year contract with the Italian club.
Although the specific financial terms were not disclosed, British media sources revealed that the 27-year-old, who had been associated with Chelsea since the age of eight, was secured for an initial amount of 16 million euros ($17.47 million).
Chelsea released a statement announcing Loftus-Cheek’s departure, stating, “After 19 years as a Chelsea player, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has left the club and finalized a permanent transfer to AC Milan.”
Loftus-Cheek, known for his professionalism and amiable nature at Cobham (Chelsea’s training ground), bids farewell after contributing to the team with 155 appearances and scoring 13 goals. His time at Chelsea earned him prestigious accolades, including Premier League, Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup titles.
Joining a growing list of Chelsea departures, Loftus-Cheek now joins Arsenal as Kai Havertz and Manchester City as Mateo Kovacic, who also left the club. Other notable transfers include defender Kalidou Koulibaly, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and midfielder N’Golo Kante, who have all made their way to Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea’s recent performance in the Premier League resulted in a disappointing 12th-place finish, marking their lowest ranking in nearly three decades.
AC Milan achieved a commendable fourth-place finish in the Serie A, securing their spot in the highly coveted UEFA Champions League. The team’s successful campaign throughout the season allowed them to claim one of the precious berths in the prestigious European tournament. This accomplishment holds significant value for AC Milan, as it not only brings them international recognition but also provides them with the opportunity to compete against the best clubs in Europe.
In their quest to bolster their squad for the upcoming challenges, AC Milan wasted no time in making important signings during the close-season transfer window. Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the talented midfielder, became the club’s second addition. Prior to Loftus-Cheek’s arrival, AC Milan had already secured the services of Marco Sportiello, a reliable backup goalkeeper, who joined the team on a free transfer from Atalanta. These acquisitions demonstrate the club’s determination to strengthen their squad in key areas and enhance their overall competitiveness.
With the arrival of Loftus-Cheek and Sportiello, AC Milan aims to harness their skills and contributions to further solidify their position as a formidable force in both domestic and European competitions. The club’s fans eagerly anticipate the positive impact these new signings will have on the team’s performance as they prepare to embark on their Champions League journey and continue their pursuit of success in the Serie A.
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